HiddenTrack # 297 DEMMERS (Brian Rothenbeck)

The 2021 EP "These Distractions Are Constant" introduced Box Elder's raw, confessional approach to indie rock. But the self-titled debut LP, arriving April 3, 2026, marks the project's true arrival. For the first time, Box Elder is a full collaborative effort, with each band member contributing to the sound and vision. The result is an album that maintains Archuleta's emotional core while expanding the sonic palette in exciting new directions.These songs don't shy away from difficult territory. The album directly confronts mental health struggles, charting the highs and lows of anxiety, the weight of lost love, and the persistent fear of never quite finding where you belong. Four years of experiences are distilled into urgent, melodic anthems that balance vulnerability with resilience. Drawing influence from The Get Up Kids, Jimmy Eat World, The Menzingers, The Wonder Years, and Silversun Pickups, Box Elder crafts guitar-driven songs that hit with both emotional and sonic impact.Archuleta took on production duties himself for the LP, his first major self-recording undertaking. The learning curve was steep, but the result speaks for itself, an album that captures raw intimacy without sacrificing clarity or power. The striking cover artwork by Stella Vickland-Davis features mannequin pieces controlled by box elder bugs, a visual metaphor the band had always envisioned: the small, unseen forces that guide us through uncertain times.Box Elder has built their reputation through relentless touring and memorable performances. Highlights include appearances at Treefort Music Festival 2023 and Denver Underground Music Showcase 2025, multiple west coast tours, and support slots with Agent Orange and Black Lips. In May/June 2026, they'll embark on their first east coast tour with MK Naomi, bringing these songs to new audiences.After fifteen years of making music, this LP represents Archuleta's most complete artistic statement. It's proof that Box Elder has found their voice, and their place. Thanks for listening!!! Please Follow us on Instagram @hiddentracks99Pre and Post roll music brought to you by @sleepcyclespa

Stamford based rock band soft spot is comprised of four gentlemen with a mission to take you through the stars. Drawing influence from iconic rock bands like Alice In Chains, Hum, and Superheaven, soft spot has made an undeniable impact with its moody, expansive sound, and has begun to win over listeners beyond the U.S., most recently garnering attention in South America and Europe. The band is formed by Gianni Carpanzano on guitar and vocals, Dave Eisermann on bass, Marc Marenco on drums and most recently adding Will Vellek on Guitar.  Thanks for listening!!! Please Follow us on Instagram @hiddentracks99Pre and Post roll music brought to you by @sleepcyclespa

BEST BEAR is a Philadelphia based indie rock band formed in late 2019 and active since 2020. The band works within a slow burn post emo framework, with a sound often compared to The Beths, Sweet Pill, Hop Along, Snail Mail, and early Paramore, emphasizing dynamic pacing, emotional clarity, and carefully constructed songs.Best Bear operates as a rotating collective of Philadelphia based musicians, with songs written by Blue Barnett forming the foundation across recordings and live shows, allowing the lineup to shift without changing the band’s core identity. The project has become a consistent presence in the local and regional music scene while maintaining a clear and recognizable sound.In 2022, Best Bear released When, which gained attention from WXPN, Radio 104.5, and a range of regional and college radio stations. The song “Gaslighter” has received consistent airplay and remains in regular rotation. Best Bear is currently writing their second anticipated full length album, continuing to build on their songwriting with a focus on emotional directness and intention. Thanks for listening!!! Please Follow us on Instagram @hiddentracks99Pre and Post roll music brought to you by @sleepcyclespa

Dead Wrong is a dynamic pop-punk band hailing from Philadelphia, known for their energetic sound and catchy melodies that encapsulate the essence of early 2000s punk revival. Formed in the vibrant local music scene, the band blends heartfelt lyrics with infectious hooks, creating anthems that resonate with themes of youth, rebellion, and personal struggles. Their performances are characterized by high energy and a strong connection with the audience, making them a standout act in the city’s underground circuit. With a growing fanbase and a commitment to their craft, Dead Wrong is carving out a notable niche in the pop-punk genre, drawing both nostalgia and new listeners alike. Thanks for listening!!! Please Follow us on Instagram @hiddentracks99Pre and Post roll music brought to you by @sleepcyclespa

On this week's episode we welcome Brian Rothenbeck of the explosive "new" new wave-ish band DEMMERS. Demmers is a band born from the shadowy streets of northern New Jersey, where the desire for escape is ever-present, and the landscape itself carries a touch of dark, haunting beauty. Formed in the fall of 2023, Demmers draws from a wide spectrum of musical influences- from the early works of The Cure and The Chameleons to the raw energy of Bloc Party and Chain Cult.  Thanks for listening!!! Please Follow us on Instagram @hiddentracks99Pre and Post roll music brought to you by @sleepcyclespa

ROYDEN is an experimental post-hardcore band from Rockaway, NJ. Know for a mix of punk, metal, and emo influences. Royden released the EP "Best Friends Our Worst Enemies" and the full length album "In The House Of Attics" on Hopeless Records.  Thanks for listening!!! Please Follow us on Instagram @hiddentracks99Pre and Post roll music brought to you by @sleepcyclespa

On This week's episode I had the great pleasure to welcome a dear friend and amazing Artist Tommy Gunn to the show. Tommy's story telling of his life's musical journey is a long winding road with beautiful stops along the way. This episode captures the feelings of friendships, heartache, growth, and the power of positivity in one's life.  Thanks for listening!!! Please Follow us on Instagram @hiddentracks99Pre and Post roll music brought to you by @sleepcyclespa

On this week's episode I welcome Rob of the authentic and versatile band from New Jersey SPRING AHEAD, FALL APART. Rob and I met when I asked his band to headline our "Mending Through Music" fundraising Festival. I could not have been more impressed by him as a person and musician. During this episode we run through Rob's musical life, which has included something we all have experienced, love and loss. Tune in to hear the stories of music that has shaped his life. Thanks for listening!!! Please Follow us on Instagram @hiddentracks99Pre and Post roll music brought to you by @sleepcyclespa

In nearly a decade, songwriter Sonia Weber’s ability to pen precise lyrics and memorable riffs has become laser-focused. As a result, the songs feel like they’ve been assembled with all the intention and care of a mixtape to a high-stakes crush. Caleb Misclevitz, Ellian Conroy, and Derek McNeil round out the band, bringing the giant loud guitar rock feeling these songs require. The Portland outfit crafts songs big enough to fill an arena while simultaneously conjuring the emotional intimacy of making out in the bathroom of your favorite karaoke bar. Alien Boy does this by harnessing the raw power of PDX’s Wipers’ but not being afraid to embrace the pop catchiness of rock titans like Oasis or Third Eye Blind, all while crafting a tone and power distinctly their own. Whether listened to in your headphones in bed or witnessed live in person, Alien Boy leaves an emotional crater that’ll keep you coming back for more .(Gem Fair). Thanks for listening!!! Please Follow us on Instagram @hiddentracks99Pre and Post roll music brought to you by @sleepcyclespa

A powerhouse of 90’s-tinged indie-rock, alt-pop, Loviet (pronounced like soviet with an L) has established herself as one of Canada’s brightest up-and-coming artists to watch, supporting critically acclaimed artists The Beaches, Giant Rooks and Jesse Jo Stark, and performing at festivals such as Lollapalooza (Chicago), Summerfest (Milwaukee) and Riot Fest (Chicago) “delivering a show that is fit for an arena" (Megan LaPierre, Exclaim! Magazine).Her EP The Nighttime Is All In The Timing earned Loviet Music Nova Scotia’s Rock Recording of the Year and East Coast Music Awards Breakthrough Artist of the Year. This five-track offering, produced by Cacie Dalager and Bradley Hale of American indie-rock band Now, Now is sonically expansive and emotionally charged, described by Loviet as “…lots of guitars, energy, power, and mess”. From the unabating urgency of her boldly breathtaking anthem “Broken Lips” to the unapologetic roar of “Star Treatment,” The Nighttime Is All In The Timing finds Loviet soundtracking moments of reckoning and raw reflection through catchy and cathartic upheavals that hit hard and leave a lasting mark.Loviet is further bridging the gap between her praised live shows and recorded catalog, featuring a more rock driven, unblushing portrayal on latest single releases STIFFY, CHEERLEADER and PLUSH, produced by Loviet.  Thanks for listening!!! Please Follow us on Instagram @hiddentracks99Pre and Post roll music brought to you by @sleepcyclespa