Post-hardcore may not be the new pop that was promised. Sure, after the inevitable demise of Vans Warped Tour it was clear that rock, and more specifically post-hardcore, had a more limited audience than everyone previously anticipated. But a limited audience doesn’t mean that there isn’t a future. Because when it comes to passion no one brings it like punk fans, and when it comes to over the top dramatic songs, no one makes them like a post-hardcore group.

There are two distinct flavors of post hardcore these days. There is the bombastic and absurd, like Dance Gavin Dance, and then there is the more tempered down, but emotionally vibrant side of the genre. The latter category is where La Dispute and Touche Amore thrive. 

Upon listening to either group, but particularly La Dispute you’re likely to be struck by the lyrical prowess of the band. In fact they often take musical pauses and break into spoken word poetry sections – providing a unique showcase for their lyrics, which may sound more similar to the Decemberists than they would a punk outfit. Touche Amore does much the same, but with an increased ferocity to the instrumentation that imparts a sense of urgency that few bands can match.

When seen live either of these groups are a force all to themselves. And their impassioned fanbases that remain strong over a decade later speak to their lasting power as musicians and performers. Anyone who purports to be a fan of post-hardcore absolutely cannot miss this show, if you do, were you ever really a fan?

Location: The Belasco

Address: 1050 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Tickets available from $27.50