Finch: Pioneers of Post-Hardcore

Finch is an American post-hardcore band from Temecula, California, best known for their influential debut album. That record, 2002's What It Is to Burn, became a landmark release in the early 2000s alternative scene and achieved gold certification.

Early career

Finch formed in 1999, solidifying a lineup featuring vocalist Nate Barcalow and guitarist Randy Strohmeyer. The band quickly built a local following with their intense live shows, blending melodic emo with aggressive hardcore dynamics.

Their early demos caught the attention of Drive-Thru Records, leading to the 2001 Falling Into Place EP. This release established their signature sound and set the stage for a major label deal.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2002 with the release of their debut album, What It Is to Burn, on Drive-Thru Records and MCA. The title track became an instant anthem on MTV2 and alternative radio, propelling the album to gold status in the United States.

Key tracks

What It Is to Burn — The soaring title track defined their early sound and remains their most recognizable song.

Letters to You — This emotionally charged single received heavy rotation on music television and rock radio.

New Beginnings — A fan-favorite deep cut that showcases the band's intricate musicianship and dynamic range.

Insomniatic Meat — This track highlights the heavier, more chaotic side of their debut album's appeal.

Post Script — A key song from their ambitious and divisive second album, 2005's Say Hello to Sunshine.

Following their debut's success, Finch surprised fans with 2005's Say Hello to Sunshine, a darker, more experimental album released through Geffen Records. After a hiatus, they returned with 2014's Back to Oblivion, demonstrating a matured yet powerful iteration of their style.

Fans of Finch's blend of melody and aggression should also explore Thursday, who share a similar intensity and emotional depth in the post-hardcore genre. The intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts of Thrice offer a compelling parallel. For the melodic emo influence, listen to Jimmy Eat World. The experimental spirit of The Used also resonates with Finch's later work.

Finch's music maintains a strong presence on alternative rock radio stations and dedicated online rock radio streams. Their catalog, from anthemic singles to deep album cuts, is a staple for programming focused on the 2000s post-hardcore revival.

You can hear the powerful music of Finch on radio stations featured across our website. Listeners can discover their influential discography by tuning into the rock and alternative stations available on onairium.com.