California X

Not to be confused with the veteran California-based punk band <a href="spotify:artist:54NqjhP2rT524Mi2GicG4K">X</a>, California X is a rock group hailing from Amherst, Massachusetts whose sound recalls the heavier and sludgier side of '80s and '90s alternative rock, while maintaining a tuneful core amidst an aggressive, growling guitar attack. Formed in 2012, California X was initially a power trio, featuring guitarist and singer Lemmy Gurtowsky, bassist Dan Jones, and drummer Cole Lanier. Within a few months of forming, California X made their debut with a cassette-only EP release, Sucker/Mummy; the initial tape edition was self-released by the band, and was later reissued on vinyl by the U.K. label <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22The+Sounds+of+Sweet+Nothing%22">The Sounds of Sweet Nothing</a>. In 2013, the New York City punk label <a href="spotify:search:label%3A%22Don+Giovanni+Records%22">Don Giovanni Records</a> struck a deal with California X, and released their eponymous debut album, which gave the band more room to tinker with their high-volume attack and hook-laden tunes. For their second album, the band made a few changes, adding second guitarist Zack Brower and joining forces in the studio with producer and engineer Justin Pizzoferrato, whose résumé includes sessions with <a href="spotify:artist:267VY6GX5LyU5c9M85ECZQ">Dinosaur Jr.</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:5UqTO8smerMvxHYA5xsXb6">Sonic Youth</a>, and <a href="spotify:artist:6zvul52xwTWzilBZl6BUbT">the Pixies</a>. California X's second album, Nights in the Dark, was released in January 2015. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi