With musicians who you might know from their work in such bands as Life Force, Reflex, Dying for It, and Legendary Weapons, I'd like to welcome What It Meant to No Echo. The Portland, Oregon-based outfit formed earlier this year, bringing forth straight edge hardcore of the fast and moshy style.
Comprised of guitarist Cody Lods, bassist Skot Courtright, vocalist Davis Driver, and drummer Thomas Vanderpol, What It Meant released their demo back in October through Brain Floss Records in the U.S. and the UK's Conviction Records across the pond. Fittingly, their first live appearence went down at Portland's first Edge Day Fest.
"If Reflex is more Lockin’ Out inspired, What It Meant is more React! Records inspired," says Thomas, who plays in both bands. He also specifically mentions The First Step, Mindset, and Floorpunch as direct influences on his new group's stylistic direction.
What It Meant currently have studio time booked to track their second demo.
They will also be appearing on the 2026 edition of the long-running Youth Crew international hardcore compilation coming out soon. Read more about that here.
What It Meant are already booking 2026 shows with a big one coming up on January 23rd in Portland at the High Limit Room alongside Bane, Rotting Out, Witness Chamber, Crosshair, and Big Miss.
The next month, they'll be heading down to California for a pair of shows with Reflex in Chico at the Naked Lounge on February 6th, and Oakland on February 7th at Tamarack:
"We are really excited about a renewed interest in fast hardcore in Portland and the scene at large," Thomas tells me. "Everything is cyclical and it’s nice to be doing something that resonates with folks."
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The What It Meant demo is available on cassette via Brain Floss Records (US) and Conviction Records (UK).
What It Meant on social media: Instagram
Tagged: legendary weapons, life force, reflex, what it meant
