Albany’s Flatwounds have been building steady momentum over the last few years, and their forthcoming EP, Chain of Command, looks set to push things further. The band—vocalist Colin O’Hare, guitarist Matt, bassist David, and drummer Wade—formed in late 2022 after a string of stalled projects.
“Flatwounds was formed in late 2022,” O’Hare tells No Echo. “We were all in separate bands but couldn’t get anything to stick. I talked to Matt after a show and asked if he wanted to jam sometime. He brought along David, and I knew Wade from his old band.” The group moved quickly. “I had already booked a show for us before we solidified the lineup, so in one night we wrote about six songs for our first set.”
Early on, some listeners leaned into the grunge comparisons, but O’Hare says the band’s sound has evolved. “In the beginning, we leaned into the whole ‘grunge’ thing, but as we matured, we found those comparisons a bit dated. Chain of Command draws on many influences. At the end of the day, we’re just a rock band making music in 2026.”
To my ears, I hear elements of Helmet, Excide, and Orange 9mm, and in O'Hare's vocal styling, I am reminded of Armando Bordas of '90s NYHC greats, Fahrenheit 451. The first single from Chain of Command, "Emulator," was just released in music video form:
The band caught unexpected attention in early 2025 when their single “Drenched” took off on TikTok. “We were definitely surprised,” O’Hare admits. “I remember making the post and forgetting about it, then checking my phone and seeing the numbers. It was cool, but we don’t put much stock into that. If it helps kids come out to a show, that’s what matters.”
That buzz helped bring Flatwounds to Blue Grape Music, which will release Chain of Command next month. The EP was recorded with producer Brian Robbins, someone the band already trusted. “He played a huge role in our development,” says O’Hare. “When Blue Grape asked who we wanted to work with, it was a no-brainer.”
O’Hare credits Albany’s hardcore community as the biggest influence on the band. “We’re all very grateful for the scene and how diverse it is,” he says, shouting out local bands and venues that keep the city’s DIY spirit alive. With Chain of Command on the way, Flatwounds look ready to carry that energy to a wider audience. They will launch an extensive North American tour along with Lip Critic and Bejalvin in May. All of the dates are listed below.
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Chain of Command will be out March 20th via Blue Grape Music.
Flatwounds on social media: Instagram
Tour dates w/ Lip Critic and Bejalvin
May 25, 2026: No Fun – Troy, NY
May 26, 2026: The Rockwell – Boston, MA
May 27, 2026: La Sala Rossa – Montreal, QC
May 28, 2026: The Garrison – Toronto, ON
May 29, 2026: The Sanctuary – Detroit, MI
May 30, 2026: Beat Kitchen – Chicago, IL
June 2, 2026: Hi-Dive – Denver, CO
June 4, 2026: Kilby Court – Salt Lake City, UT
June 5, 2026: Holland Project – Reno, NV
June 7, 2026: Barboza – Seattle, WA
June 8, 2026: Wise Hall – Vancouver, BC
June 9, 2026: Polaris Hall – Portland, OR
June 11, 2026: Cafe Colonial – Sacramento, CA
June 12, 2026: Bottom of the Hill – San Francisco, CA
June 13, 2026: Zebulon – Los Angeles, CA
June 14, 2026: Valley Bar – Phoenix, AZ
June 17, 2026: 29th Street Ballroom – Austin, TX
June 18, 2026: Dada – Dallas, TX
June 19, 2026: Fat Cat – Hattiesburg, MS
June 20, 2026: Masquerade (Altar) – Atlanta, GA
June 21, 2026: Pinhook – Durham, NC
June 23, 2026: Little Giant @ Bottlerocket Social Hall – Pittsburgh, PA
June 24, 2026: PhilaMOCA – Philadelphia, PA
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