Finch: Pioneers of Post-Hardcore

Finch is an American post-hardcore band that formed in Temecula, California. The group is best known for their influential 2002 debut album, What It Is to Burn, which became a landmark release in the early 2000s alternative rock scene.

Early career

Finch came together in 1999, founded by vocalist Nate Barcalow and guitarist Alex Linares. The band's early sound blended melodic emo with aggressive post-hardcore, quickly garnering a local following through intense live performances.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2002 with the release of their debut album, What It Is to Burn, on Drive-Thru Records. The album's title track and singles received significant airplay on alternative radio, helping the album sell over 300,000 copies and achieve a cult classic status that defined a genre era.

Key tracks

What It Is to Burn - The anthemic title track served as the band's signature song and a definitive post-hardcore anthem of the early 2000s.

Letters to You - This single became a fan favorite for its dynamic structure, combining soft melodies with explosive, emotional climaxes.

New Beginnings - A track showcasing the band's heavier, more chaotic side and intricate guitar work.

Following their debut's success, Finch released the more experimental and darker EP Falling Into Place in 2003. Their second studio album, 2005's Say Hello to Sunshine, marked a sharp stylistic shift towards a more complex, progressive rock-influenced sound, which divided fans but demonstrated artistic growth. After a hiatus, the band reunited and released their third album, Back to Oblivion, in 2014.

Fans of Finch's emotionally charged and dynamic style might also enjoy the work of Thursday, who share a similar intensity and melodic hardcore foundation. The intricate guitar work and vocal passion of Thrice also resonate with Finch's musical approach. For the melodic sensibilities within heavy music, explore Jimmy Eat World. The experimental edge of The Used offers another point of comparison from the same period.

The music of Finch remains a staple on alternative rock radio stations and online rock radio streams that specialize in early 2000s post-hardcore and emo revival sounds.

Listeners can discover the influential catalog of Finch through the radio stations featured on onairium.com, where their defining tracks continue to resonate with new audiences.