Living Proof is the new record by Drain, the California crossover hardcore/thrash band formed by ex-members of groups like Hands of God and the legendary Gulch (not to be confused with the rap group Drain Gang). The follow-up to their April 2020 album, California Cursed, Living Proof is an impressive collection of ten tracks that elevate Drain to a whole new level. It seamlessly melds sunny-day energy with hardcore’s hostile nature.
Much like the skeleton on the cover, this album has teeth. Twenty-five minutes is short enough that you won’t get tired of Living Proof’s onslaught of riffs, but it knows how to keep things fresh. Bouncy grooves are plentiful here, and breakdowns serve as a perfect contrast to the thrashy energy that permeates much of the runtime. Drain keeps the momentum going, even when it slows down. The guitar craftsmanship is impressive, with a technical edge that adds colour to every part of a song. Shredding isn’t limited to guitar solos; here this dish has been evenly seasoned.
If that wasn’t enough, you’ll find a few surprises such as a cowbell on the title track, the song “Intermission” featuring California rapper Shakewell, and even an outright Descendents cover. Although the cover doesn’t feel out of place on the album, it might be a sharp turn for a listener looking for exclusively heavy music. “Good Good Things” is done justice by the group, and it’s a fun detour on Living Proof.
Now, I could go on for hours about the raw summer vibe this album has, but I should bring it down to one paragraph. The cover art is indicative enough, with its neon colour palette and cartoony style. It’s got hardcore at heart, delivers on the party-thrash fun, and although they don’t reference the line from California Cursed, it’s clear California is still the Sunshine State in their eyes. This album was made to be moshed to, but it wouldn’t be out of place for a house party in a heatwave. “Good Good Things,” though a stylistic change, is the piece that holds Living Proof’s energy together. It brings the California life of sunny days and fresh ocean water to the sound. I can’t hide it; it has to be one of my favourite tracks on the album.
That’s the trick that Living Proof successfully pulls off: subverting the usual metal darkness with sunny skies. Another standout track, “FTS (KYS),” stands for “find the strength (and) kill yourself,” but it’s immediately followed up with the line “reinvent the new you.” Drain isn’t looking for self-deprecation, but a different kind of catharsis. After all, the lead single for the album was titled “Evil Finds Light,” Off the top of my head, the first California crossover band that comes to mind would be Suicidal Tendencies. It’s hard to ignore that tongue-in-cheek reference on “FTS (KYS),” even if it was unintentional. When there’s darkness to be found on the record, it ensures you know the sunshine will be back.
If there’s one album that could be the soundtrack to your summer, Living Proof is a strong contender. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it also shows it doesn’t need to. Singer Sammy Ciaramitaro has mentioned that he sees this record as the living proof that working hard on something you’re passionate about will get you far. Drain’s trajectory has been fast and upwards; their bubbly energy mixed with their raw aggression has drawn massive crowds post-pandemic. It’s no surprise that their live shows are incredible and packed full of unbelievable energy. If you’ve never seen a video of Ciaramitaro talking, I’d recommend you go do it as you’ll see just how happy go-lucky he is. Hell, he even throws beach balls and inflatables into a crowd of spin-kickers. Drain wants everyone to have a fun time, but they’re not going to dilute themselves to reach a bigger audience. They’re only going to give you more. Being genuine doesn’t get old, and Drain is fully aware of that; this album is all the proof you need.
