The Briggs: Los Angeles Punk Rock Stalwarts
The Briggs are a punk rock band from Los Angeles, California, known for their high-energy anthems and blue-collar ethos. Their consistent output and dedicated touring have cemented their status as a resilient force in the American punk scene.
Early career
Formed in 1999 under the original name "I Decline," the band quickly established its roots in the vibrant Los Angeles punk circuit. The core lineup featured brothers Joey (vocals) and Jason LaRocca (drums), alongside guitarist Chris Arredondo and a rotating cast of bassists.
Their early sound was a raw blend of street punk and Oi! influences, captured on their self-released debut EP, "Is This What You Believe?" in 2001. This independent effort caught the attention of SideOneDummy Records, which re-released the EP and set the stage for their first full-length album.
Breakthrough
The band's breakthrough arrived with their 2003 album, "Numbers," released on SideOneDummy. The album's sharper songwriting and anthemic choruses, like those on "Charge into the Sun," expanded their audience beyond the local scene.
This momentum continued with 2005's "Leaving the Ways," which featured production from punk veteran Brett Gurewitz of Bad Religion. The album's more melodic approach and politically charged lyrics earned them increased airplay on alternative rock radio stations and tours across North America.
Key tracks
Charge into the Sun — This driving anthem from the "Numbers" album became a live staple and a definitive statement of the band's energetic style.
Back to Higher Ground — Featured on "Leaving the Ways," this track showcased the band's ability to craft a powerful, melodic punk rock song with a memorable chorus.
Mad Men — The title track from their 2008 album is a fist-pumping critique of corporate culture that resonated with their working-class fanbase.
This Is L.A. — A later career highlight that serves as both a tribute and a gritty love letter to their hometown's relentless spirit.
Following their time with SideOneDummy, The Briggs adopted a fiercely independent path, releasing albums like "Come All You Madmen" (2008) and "The Great Depression" (2012) on their own label, We Are the Briggs Records. They have shared stages with a wide range of acts, from Social Distortion and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones to Flogging Molly, solidifying their cross-genre appeal within the rock world. The band's music has also been featured in television shows, video games, and film soundtracks, further broadening their reach.
Fans of The Briggs often appreciate the work of similar American punk acts. Bad Religion shares a foundation of melodic punk and socio-political commentary. Social Distortion embodies a similar heartland rock influence blended with punk attitude. Rise Against parallels their anthemic songwriting and passionate lyrical delivery. The Bouncing Souls offer a comparable vein of upbeat, sing-along punk rock anthems.
The music of The Briggs maintains a steady rotation on various rock-focused radio platforms. Their catalog, from early punk ragers to later melodic anthems, is featured on classic rock FM stations, alternative rock radio stations, and dedicated online rock radio streams that champion guitar-driven music.
Listeners can discover the powerful discography of The Briggs through the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to stations available on onairium.com to hear the band's signature Los Angeles punk rock sound.
