California X

**California X** burst onto the indie rock scene in the early 2010s with a raw, riff-heavy sound that channeled the spirit of 90s alt-rock heroes like Dinosaur Jr. and Archers of Loaf. Hailing from Amherst, Massachusetts (not California, despite the name), the trio—fronted by guitarist/vocalist Lemmy Gurtowsky, bassist Cole Lamothe, and drummer Dan Jones—built a reputation for fuzzed-out anthems and blistering live shows. Their self-titled 2013 debut album, released via Don Giovanni Records, became a cult favorite for its mix of melody and distortion, while 2015’s *Nights in the Dark* doubled down on their scrappy, heart-on-sleeve energy. Though they’ve been quiet since their 2017 split single *Hadley, MA/Red Planet*, their crunchy hooks and unapologetic nostalgia for basement-show rock keep them a beloved name among fans of gritty, guitar-driven noise.