Dude York

Dude York sounds like the exact moment a panic attack turns into a dance party. They specialize in a specific kind of Northwest crunch: guitars that squeal with glam-rock swagger but are anchored by the jittery, nervous energy of the modern indie scene. It is music that feels physically large, with drums that sound like they are trying to break through the floorboards and melodies that stick to your ribs despite the thick layer of fuzz coating them.

What makes them distinctive is the interplay between Peter Richards' frantic, melodic guitar work and Claire England's grounding bass lines, with both sharing vocal duties to provide different emotional perspectives. They manage to make songs about eroding mental health and social frustration sound triumphant, using the sheer volume of arena rock to drown out the quiet voices of self-doubt. It is a loud, sweaty, and ultimately hopeful sound.

Start with their 2017 breakout 'Sincerely.' It is the definitive document of their sound, opening with a literal blast of feedback and never letting up. From the massive riffs of 'Black Jack' to the infectious kiss-off energy of 'Tonight,' it captures a band finding solace in the loudest possible art.