Bandage

**Bandage** is a scrappy indie rock trio hailing from Austin, Texas, known for blending wiry guitar hooks, introspective lyrics, and a DIY spirit that’s earned them a cult following. Formed in 2018 by frontperson Jake Rivera (vocals/guitar), Marisol Chen (bass), and Leo Tran (drums), the band cut their teeth playing dive bars and house shows before dropping their self-titled debut EP in 2019. Their sound—a mix of early-2000s emo urgency and slacker-rock grooves—found a sharper edge on releases like *Build* (2020) and *Belong* (2022), which tackled themes of identity and belonging with both snark and sincerity.

Tracks like *Paul Pierce Is in the Past* (a tongue-in-cheek breakup anthem) and *North by Northeast* (a road-trip ode to burnout) showcase their knack for pairing existential dread with catchy, shout-along choruses. Their 2024 EP *A Glitch in the Hive* leaned into glitchy production and anxiety-of-the-internet-age lyrics, proving they’re not afraid to tweak their formula. Bandage’s live shows—equal parts chaotic and cathartic—have solidified their rep as a band that’s equal parts heart-on-sleeve and hellbent on fun. Keep an eye on their relentless tour schedule; these folks don’t stay still for long.