Sinkhole: The Gritty Force of Modern Garage Rock

Sinkhole is an American garage rock band from Detroit, Michigan, known for their raw, high-energy sound and relentless touring schedule. Their major label debut album, Fault Line, cracked the Billboard 200 chart in 2018, establishing them as a formidable presence in the contemporary rock scene.

Early career

Formed in 2012, Sinkhole emerged from the same Detroit DIY spaces that nurtured generations of punk and rock acts. The founding trio—vocalist/guitarist Leo Vance, bassist Mara Kline, and drummer Rex Cole—self-released their first EP, Subsurface, in 2014, which quickly sold out its initial vinyl pressing.

Their intense live performances and the EP's local buzz caught the attention of independent label Rust Belt Records, which signed the band and released their first full-length album, Bare Circuit, in 2016.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with their sophomore album, Fault Line, released through a partnership between Rust Belt and the larger imprint Capitol Records. Propelled by heavy radio play on alternative rock stations, the album debuted at number 87 on the Billboard 200 and spawned several successful singles.

This commercial peak was solidified by the single "Gravity Well" reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart, a significant milestone for the Detroit rockers.

Key tracks

Gravity Well — This charting single became Sinkhole's signature anthem, driven by a relentless, fuzzed-out bassline and shouted, anthemic choruses.

Static Bloom — Featured in several major video game soundtracks, this track expanded the band's audience with its catchy, driving rhythm and melodic guitar hook.

Fault Line — The title track from their breakthrough album showcases their dynamic range, building from a tense verse into a cathartic, crashing finale.

Bare Circuit — The raw, title track from their debut LP remains a live staple, perfectly encapsulating their early, unpolished garage punk energy.

Following the success of Fault Line, Sinkhole maintained a rigorous output, releasing the album Echo Location in 2021. They have collaborated on stage and in the studio with fellow Detroit artists, including a notable co-headlining tour with punk veterans The Obsoletes in 2022. The band continues to be a mainstay on the summer festival circuit, known for their explosive and unpredictable live shows that honor the gritty spirit of their city's rock legacy.

Fans of Sinkhole's brand of Detroit garage rock should also explore similar artists featured on our site. Check out The Obsoletes for a more classic punk rock approach from the same city. Listen to The Jins for a comparable blend of fuzzy guitar tones and melodic aggression. Discover White Reaper for a similar emphasis on high-energy rock and hook-driven songwriting. Explore Ty Segall to hear another prolific force in the modern garage rock universe.

Sinkhole's music maintains a strong rotation across a network of independent music radio stations and online rock radio streams that favor authentic, guitar-driven sound. Their tracks are regularly featured on specialty shows dedicated to alternative rock and new garage rock discoveries, ensuring their gritty anthems reach eager audiences.

You can discover the powerful garage rock of Sinkhole by tuning into the radio stations available right here on onairium.com. Our curated stations provide the perfect platform to experience the raw energy and driving rhythms that define this Detroit band's catalog.