Albany’s Take Steps move with intention. Formed in 2024, the band pulls from a wide range of influences but stays grounded in the emotional core that’s long defined melodic hardcore. Guitarist John Lombardi says the project began with a clear spark. “I put together some instrumental demos inspired by [Comeback Kid's] Wake the Dead and [Have Heart's] The Things We Carry [albums], and asked Kyle to come over and collaborate,” he tells No Echo. From there, things came together quickly, with a lineup built from longtime friendships and past collaborations across the local scene.
That foundation carries into the band’s sound, which doesn’t sit neatly in one lane. “Sonically, Take Steps modulates between melodic hardcore, pop-punk, and crossover thrash,” Lombardi explains. The reference points are broad, ranging from Have Heart and Comeback Kid to Title Fight, Power Trip, and even blink-182. The result is a style that balances urgency with melody, pulling equally from hardcore grit and more introspective songwriting.
The band’s latest release, Fighting Chance, was tracked at Pacemaker Audio with Tyler Krupsky, additional production by Eli Wein, and mastering by Nick Cavin. Lyrically, the record leans heavily into personal experience. “The core themes are about striving to move forward and get better,” Lombardi says. “The songs deal with betrayal, loss, grief, and choosing to look ahead and try to find hope.” It’s a collaborative effort across the board, with each member contributing to both the music and the message, reinforcing the band’s intent to avoid being boxed into any one sound.
Take Steps has already begun building momentum with high-energy live sets and by sharing stages with bands like Angel Du$t, Combust, and MSPAINT. That energy is matched by what’s happening around them. “The Albany hardcore scene is booming,” Lombardi says, pointing to bands like Flatwounds, Halo Bite, NOIR, Spiritkiller, and Violent Streets as part of a deep and diverse local lineup.
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Take Steps on social media: Instagram
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