Scowl: Defying Expectations in the Hardcore Scene
Last fall, in the intimate two-story venue known as Neck of the Woods located in San Francisco, Kat Moss was in her element. She was energetically engaging with the crowd, throwing elbows and navigating through the throng of bodies, pushing men who were twice her size into a frenzied circle pit. With a microphone in hand, Moss, the fearless frontwoman of the Bay Area hardcore band Scowl, commanded the stage. The air was thick with energy as this close-knit group of Northern California punks embraced the chaos. As midnight approached, the audience spilled out into the crisp night air, bruised yet exhilarated. This was a community where stage diving, moshing, and the occasional accidental kick to the face were all expressions of affection and shared passion.
However, as Scowl’s popularity has surged, transitioning from a band of underdogs performing in house shows across the West Coast to a significant national presence, Moss and her four bandmates have found themselves embroiled in a different kind of struggle — a battle against the gatekeepers who claim the band isn’t hardcore enough. In 2023, the group faced criticism on various message boards and social media platforms, where they were accused of “selling out” after securing a brand partnership with a corporate sponsor. This move, while not uncommon among their hardcore contemporaries, sparked a wave of backlash.
Furthermore, Scowl faced scrutiny for releasing music that some critics described as pop-infused sensibility disguised as punk. The band’s rise drew the attention of megastars like Post Malone and Hayley Williams from Paramore, which did not sit well with a faction of hardcore purists. Adding to the controversy was Moss’s penchant for sharing beauty tutorials on her personal social media accounts, a move that some deemed incongruous with the hardcore ethos, especially considering her striking neon lime hair that makes her a standout in any crowd.
Despite the criticism, Scowl is not backing down. Instead, the band is determined to challenge the boundaries of their sound and redefine what hardcore music can encompass. With the release of their highly anticipated second album, “Are We All Angels,” set for April 4, the group is making a significant move from the well-respected hardcore label Flatspot Records to the eclectic Dead Oceans, home to artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Mitski. This transition signifies a bold step as they collaborate with renowned producer Will Yip, known for expanding the sonic landscape of punk bands.
In this new phase, Scowl is embracing a heavier, slower sound infused with grungy riffs and catchy choruses, signifying a clear evolution of their musical style. The band is committed to pushing the limits of their artistry and challenging the conventions of the hardcore scene, proving that they are more than just a label — they are a force to be reckoned with.
