One thing I love about going to shows and having no idea who the opener is is that there’s always a potential you find a new favorite band. This was absolutely the case with California's own Present.
My first time seeing Present was last year in the summer, they opened for “Softcult at Club Dadda and Dallas. I remember Softcult's singer Mercedes Arn-Horn saying “I’m happy we got bring them on tour with us, because one day these guys are gonna be huge“. After going home that night and listening to their discography that sentiment still holds true to this day.
The thing that captivated me the most is their unforgettable raw sound and melodies, with similarities that reminds the listener of early Smashing Pumpkins and Radiohead, but with the certain heaviness that brings it back to peak grunge a la Alice In Chains. It also feels like they chose to throw in a bit of Nine Inch Nails in terms of fidelity for good measure. All this to say that Present has the potential to be up there with today's heavy hitters like Bleed, Fleshwater, Loathe, and Narrow Head.
Last year they dropped their debut album Silver Lining, and it was easily in my top five of 2024. They have kept the momentum going with their new single “Leech“ from the upcoming EP Letters to the Lost, set for release on November 11th.
”Leech“ brings a new layer of growth to the California natives, with noticeable improvements in terms of production, along with buildups and breaks that will make any live audience want to rush the stage to feel the energy it radiates.
My only complaint is that I wish we didn’t have to wait three more months for the rest of the EP.
Present recently opened for Split Chain at the latter's album release show last month, and will be playing Tremolo Fest in Seattle on September 26th and Dreamgaze PDX on September 27th respectively.
Here’s hoping a tour for support of their newest EP is announced soon.
