The Bonstones

The Sisters of Mercy: A Gothic Rock Legacy

Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Leeds, England, The Sisters of Mercy emerged in 1980. Their unique blend of gothic rock, infused with elements of post-punk and darkwave, quickly gained them a devoted following in the underground music scene. The band achieved mainstream success in the mid-1980s, releasing a string of acclaimed albums that cemented their place as pioneers of the gothic rock genre.

The Sisters of Mercy's three original studio albums - "First and Last and Always" (1985), "Floodland" (1987), and "Vision Thing" (1990) - each showcased a distinct musical evolution, yet remained unified by the constant presence of the band's visionary frontman, Andrew Eldritch, and the driving force of the Doktor Avalanche drum machine.

Their journey, however, was marked by internal conflict and a tumultuous relationship with their label, WEA. The band's frustration with the label's handling of their career culminated in a public protest in the early 1990s, when they refused to release new material. This led to a period of artistic stagnation, during which WEA released the album "Go Figure" under the name SSV, without the Sisters' involvement.

Despite being released from their contract with WEA, The Sisters of Mercy have remained independent, choosing not to sign with another label or release new studio albums. However, they have continued to tour extensively, captivating audiences with their dark and captivating live performances, often showcasing new, unreleased material.

The band's influence on the goth and alternative music scenes is undeniable. Their legacy is further cemented by the successful careers of former members, who went on to form iconic bands like Ghost Dance and The Mission. The Sisters of Mercy's story remains a testament to their enduring musical vision and their unwavering commitment to artistic integrity.

Miserable Faith (Chinese: 痛仰乐队), originally named Painful Faith band, was established in Beijing in 1999. Their style is rock and independent music. The strong critical awareness expressed in their first album "This Is a Question," released in 2001, gained them attention from fans. The band was once hailed as one of China's "Four Hardcore" rock bands along with Yaksa, Twisted Machine, and Tongue. Their representative works include: "The Need of the Nation," "Highway Song," "Give Way," "Anger," "Sing a Song for You," "Where There Is Oppression, There Is Resistance," and others.

X Ambassadors: A Pop Rock Powerhouse From Ithaca

X Ambassadors, often stylized as XA, is an American pop rock band hailing from Ithaca, New York. The trio consists of lead vocalist Sam Harris, keyboardist Casey Harris, and drummer Adam Levin. Adding to their live sound, guitarist and bassist Russ Flynn joins them on tour.

Known for their anthemic tunes, X Ambassadors have carved a niche in the pop rock landscape with hits like "Jungle," "Renegades," and "Unsteady." These tracks have become staples on radio and streaming platforms, showcasing the band's blend of infectious melodies and powerful vocals.

Their musical journey began in 2009, performing under the name "Ambassadors." Early in their career, they shared the stage with acts like LIGHTS and self-released their debut EP, aptly titled "Ambassadors EP." The lead single, "Tropisms," was given a visual treatment with a music video directed by Rodrigo Zedillo.

Following the success of their debut EP, X Ambassadors dropped their second EP, "Litost." This release featured the namesake song, "Litost," which found its way into the soundtrack of the film "The Host."

Their consistent efforts caught the attention of SONGS Music Publishing, who signed the band to a record deal in 2012, marking a pivotal moment in their career trajectory.

X Ambassadors have since released four albums: "VHS" (2015), "Orion" (2019), "The Beautiful Liar" (2021), and "Townie" (2024). Each album has showcased their evolution, pushing boundaries while staying true to their pop rock roots.

With their distinctive sound and captivating performances, X Ambassadors continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, solidifying their place as a prominent force in contemporary music.

The Linda Lindas: A Punk Rock Powerhouse Emerges

The Linda Lindas, hailing from the vibrant music scene of Los Angeles, are an all-female punk rock band making waves with their energetic performances and sharp lyrics. The quartet is comprised of Bela Salazar (guitar), Eloise Wong (bass), and sisters Lucia and Mila de la Garza (drums and vocals, respectively).

Their story began in 2018, inspired by the Japanese film "Linda Linda Linda," a fitting name for a group known for their playful spirit and unapologetic energy. After a chance encounter with director Amy Poehler, they were tapped to record the soundtrack for her film "Moxie," catapulting them into the spotlight.

The year 2021 saw the release of their viral single "Racist, Sexist Boy," a powerful anthem that garnered widespread attention and critical acclaim. This success led to a signing with Epitaph Records, one of the most respected independent labels in the world.

In 2022, the band released their debut album, "Growing Up," to rave reviews. The album showcases their raw talent and maturity, blending elements of punk, pop, and alternative rock. The Linda Lindas are not just a band – they're a movement, proving that punk rock is alive and thriving, with a fresh, feminist perspective at its core.

A Band Formed From a Shared Passion

The band's formation is a testament to the power of shared passion and community. It all started with Eloise Wong, whose father, Martin Wong, was approached to have her perform with a group of aspiring young musicians. Martin suggested his nieces, Lucia and Mila de la Garza, who had been singing and dancing together since childhood.

The group, spearheaded by Kristin Kontrol, started practicing, but it was clear they needed someone who could play an instrument. Eloise's parents reached out to their family friend Bela Salazar, who was learning guitar, and the rest, as they say, is history. The Linda Lindas, a group of friends bonded by music, were officially formed.

The band's journey is a testament to the power of community, shared passion, and a whole lot of talent. With their infectious energy and powerful message, The Linda Lindas are a force to be reckoned with, inspiring a new generation of musicians and listeners alike.

The Offspring: California Punk Royalty

The Offspring, hailing from the punk rock hotbed of Garden Grove, California, burst onto the scene in 1984. Originally known as Manic Subsidal, the band has always been a force to be reckoned with, led by the iconic duo of vocalist/rhythm guitarist Bryan "Dexter" Holland and lead guitarist Kevin "Noodles" Wasserman. Their current lineup also features bassist Todd Morse, multi-instrumentalist Jonah Nimoy, and drummer Brandon Pertzborn.

The Offspring, alongside fellow California punk pioneers like Green Day, NOFX, Bad Religion, Rancid, Pennywise, and Blink-182, spearheaded the punk rock revival of the 1990s, bringing the raw energy of the genre back into the mainstream. Over their four decades of rocking, The Offspring has amassed an impressive catalog of 10 studio albums and sold over 40 million records, cementing their status as one of punk's biggest selling acts.

The band has seen its fair share of lineup changes over the years. Ron Welty, who replaced original drummer James Lilja in 1987, reigned supreme on the drums for an impressive 16 years before being replaced by Adam "Atom" Willard in 2003. Willard's four-year tenure was followed by Pete Parada, who sadly departed in 2021 after refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The current drummer, Pertzborn, joined the band in 2023.

The bass position has also seen its fair share of changes. Original bassist Gregory "Greg K" Kriesel was a founding member, but his tenure ended in 2018, leaving Holland as the sole original member. Morse, who had been the band's touring guitarist since 2009, stepped in as the new bassist. His previous touring role was filled by Nimoy, who became an official member in 2023, solidifying the band's current lineup.

Through all these lineup changes, one thing has remained constant: The Offspring's commitment to delivering high-energy punk rock that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

AFI: A Journey Through Genres, From Hardcore to Gothic Rock

AFI (an acronym for A Fire Inside), hailing from Ukiah, California, emerged onto the music scene in 1991. Since 1998, the band's core has remained a constant, featuring Davey Havok (vocals), Adam Carson (drums, backing vocals), Hunter Burgan (bass, backing vocals, keyboards), and Jade Puget (guitar, backing vocals, keyboards). Havok and Carson, the original members, have steered the band's evolution through diverse sonic territories.

Starting their journey in the raw energy of hardcore punk, AFI embraced the darkness of horror punk. They ventured further, exploring the complexities of post-hardcore and emo, eventually establishing themselves as a force within alternative rock and gothic rock.

Over their illustrious career, AFI has cultivated a discography that includes eleven studio albums, ten EPs, a live album, and a DVD. Their breakthrough came with their fifth album, The Art of Drowning, released in 2000. This album, while reaching a respectable position at number 174 on the Billboard 200, set the stage for their mainstream success.

Their sixth album, Sing the Sorrow (2003), catapulted them to new heights, peaking at number five on the Billboard 200 and holding a remarkable chart presence for 51 weeks. This album was fueled by popular singles like "Girl's Not Grey" and "Silver and Cold," both reaching number seven on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart in 2003. "The Leaving Song Pt. II" also saw success as a single, reaching number 16 on the chart.

Sing the Sorrow achieved Platinum certification from the RIAA in 2006 and remains their best-selling album, exceeding 1.26 million copies sold as of September 2009.

AFI, a band that constantly pushes musical boundaries, has cemented their legacy through their relentless pursuit of artistic expression and enduring connection with fans across multiple generations.