El Paso’s CNVCT started as a studio project between vocalist Andy and guitarist Ruben, both drawn to similar musical influences. The band has since expanded beyond its original lineup, now striving to draw a broader audience.
"We started the project because we thought the band name was cool," Andy tells No No Echo with a laugh. "We wanted to write music that leaned more into our hardcore and beatdown influences."
Andy and Ruben recorded the Karme EP and the single "Square One" themselves. Bassist Max, who also plays with them in the death metal band Armaros, pushed to bring CNVCT to the stage. The lineup came together with guitarist Justin and drummer Troy. Their first rehearsal made it clear the band had real potential.
The band’s sound draws from each member’s background but stays anchored in aggressive music. "I'd describe our sound as heavy, dissonant, and sometimes bleak," Andy says. "I like to say it's as oppressive and heavy as this thing we call life."
CNVCT recently released a 3-track EP called Severance. One of its songs, "Bridge Burner," came out of a conversation about people who use friendships to get ahead in the local scene. Andy and Max landed on the term "bridge burners," and it quickly became the song’s title. "We both laughed and immediately said that it would make a great song title," he recalls. The track features guest vocals from Ricky Ramirez of Maldito Dios.
Andy points out that their local hardcore community has shown the band strong support. "The local scene is in an amazing place right now," he says. "We've been embraced by the El Paso hardcore scene, and we're incredibly grateful and honored by that support."
He credits other Texas bands like Barbarian, Maldito Dios, Fixed Altitude, Predecessor, Sabrewulf, Signs of Abnormality, and Seduce and Destroy for helping keep the scene moving forward.
CNVCT keeps its goals straightforward. "The plan is simple: keep writing music, keep getting out there, and keep putting the band in front of more eyes and ears," Andy says. "We're hungry to keep growing and see where this takes us."
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CNVCT on social media: Instagram
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