Las Vegas hardcore band Scrutiny didn’t come together through any grand plan—it grew out of years of overlap in the same circles. “We knew each other through the various Vegas scenes and post-show smoke sessions throughout the years,” the band tells No Echo. “Started jamming in Lance’s garage around late 2020 with the intention of bringing to life a couple of GarageBand demos our original guitar player, Ruben, and singer Jacodie made. We’ve been playing ever since.”
That origin story tracks with how Scrutiny approaches everything: direct and unpolished. The same can be said for their sound, which they describe in the most stripped-down way possible. “Loud and evil,” they say. When it comes to influences, things get a little broader—but still not overly defined. “We’re all into very different kinds of music, so it’s hard to pinpoint any direct influence. We all seem to agree on Queens of the Stone Age, Negative Approach, and the ProCo Rat pedal.”
Their latest release, Vol. 3, continues to build on that foundation. Recorded and mastered by Brad Racine, the band set out with a clear goal in mind. “We wanted to play faster and turn up the intensity on all fronts,” they explain. Lyrically, the material stays grounded in everyday realities. “Most of our songs are about everyday anxieties, work life, revenge, and weed.”
Scrutiny’s connection with Big Bite Records came together in a similarly organic fashion. “Our friend Kat introduced us to Timmy [Lodhi] a while back, and later down the road we ended up playing a show with his band, Bad World,” they say.
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With the new record now out, the focus shifts to getting it on the road. “Our plans now that the new record is out are to tour new places and sample as many region-specific burger spots as humanly possible. We’ve been talking about touring through the Midwest and East Coast for a long time now, so hopefully we can make that happen soon.”
Like many bands coming out of tight-knit DIY communities, Scrutiny’s members keep busy beyond a single project. “Collectively, we also play in Echo Company, Anguish Cry, Hit’em Up, Haphazard, and Sniper’s Nest,” they add.
Speaking of back home, the dudes in Scrutiny see a scene that’s gaining serious momentum. “The Vegas scene has grown a lot in a short amount of time,” they note. “Lots of great bands to check out.” Among those they recommend: Plague Doctor, Imprizon, Sakura, Spelling Hands, Khasm, and Thousand Wayz to Die.
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Vol. 3 is available on cassette via Big Bite Records.
Scrutiny on social media: Instagram
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