Melbourne hardcore band Mindrace are still early on their run, but they’re already carving out a sound that feels thoughtful, melodic, and emotionally grounded. The band formed in 2023 when vocalist Scott began writing songs with guitarist Zach Burns, before the lineup shifted into its current form with Kieren on guitar and Harvey on bass.
From the start, Mindrace were chasing something more lasting than immediacy. “I once told Kieren the coolest band is always the one some nerdy kid wearing an Inside Out or Outspoken t-shirt will discover in a hardcore fanzine 10 years after their prime,” Scott says. “That’s who we aspire to be.”
Sonically, the band draws from classic melodic hardcore without treating it like a museum piece. “Mindrace to me is bright, melodic, and emotive with occasional darker moments,” Kieren explains. “Bands like 4 Walls Falling, Turning Point, and Shield come to mind, but we also take inspiration across all genres and whatever we think’s cool.” That openness has helped the band find its own voice rather than leaning on strict revivalism.
To kick the year off, Mindrace released a taste of their forthcoming EP in the form of a single:
Their EP will mark a clear step forward. After releasing a promo in 2024, Scott feels the band finally hit its stride. “I’m glad we found our own sound and started to feel more confident of doing what we’re doing, with a clearer vision of what this band is about,” he says. Kieren agrees, calling the new release “the most rounded we’ve ever sounded,” and crediting producer Lewis for helping keep the recording process focused and enjoyable.
Looking ahead, Mindrace have a run of shows planned for the middle of the year, including domestic and international dates to coincide with the EP. Touring Australia as a DIY band isn’t easy, something Kieren acknowledges plainly. “It’s expensive to fly around the country, and since our major cities are so spread apart, driving takes a long time,” he says. “But it’s all worth it in the end because the scenes we get to experience and the communities we get to be a part of are so awesome.”
The band also point listeners toward the wider ecosystem around them. Kieren highlights acts like Implode, Tarnished, Illan Kaapan, Horsepower, and Dizdain, along with spaces such as Omission and Subfloor. Scott widens the lens further, adding, “I was born and raised in Taiwan, so big shout out to Winston and his crew, DIRTI. Check out his band Defeat the Giant.”
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Mindrace on social media: Instagram
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