The Bends, The Braymores

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Cole Silberman

The four members of The Bends by a fence.

The Bends

media release: Breakout alt-rock band The Bends set their highly anticipated debut album, If You Insist, for September 18 via Warner Records. Ahead of the release, the band unveils a new song from the project, “Hanging Around.”

If You Insist captures the band at a pivotal moment in their rise—from a Louisiana college bar band to a full-fledged touring act building a life around music. The title reflects the unexpected momentum that followed their early releases and live shows as opportunities began to unfold in ways they had once only imagined. At its core, If You Insist is a snapshot of The Bends embracing the uncertainty, excitement, and possibility of stepping into the next chapter together.

“‘If You Insist’ is a lyric from the first track of the album, ‘Off My Chest,’” shares lead singer and guitarist Hayden Field. “This line encapsulated what we feel our journey as a band has been thus far. We started the band in college for the fun of playing at our local bar. But after releasing music and beginning to tour the Southeast, the chance to commit to being a band as our livelihood became a reality. Everything had fallen into place in a way we’d only dreamed of, and so we replied, ‘If You Insist.’”

In addition to “Hanging Around,” the album includes previously released singles “Seasons Change” and “Smoking In Bed,” the latter of which broke the Alternative Airplay Top 100. Additionally, the band recently appeared on Track Star and Zach Bryan’s Belting Bronco series.

Electric live performers, The Bends are currently on their first-ever North American “If You Insist” Tour. The tour has been a mixture of headline dates and major supporting dates with The Killers, Inhaler, Ole 60, an upcoming performance with The Red Clay Strays in August, and appearances at major festivals including Lollapalooza. The tour kicked off on April 16th in New Orleans, LA and hits several major cities across the U.S. including Boston, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, and more. 

ABOUT THE BENDS

Emerging out of jam sessions on the Louisiana State University campus, The Bends ponder big themes in tightly written, compact rock songs made and played live. Between hypnotic hooks and garage-born production, they explore restlessness, relationships, medication, boredom and growing up all in real-time. The Baton Rouge-bred and Nashville-based quartet—Hayden Field [vocals, guitar], Ian Marmande [guitar], Jacob Rhodes [drums], and Chase Perkins [bass]—craft the kind of undeniable alternative rock that could just as easily soundtrack a scene in your favorite Reality Bites-style nineties flick or a TikTok trend. It’s as quotable as it is quixotic, lacing fuzz-ed out power chords with unapologetically candid lyrics. It’s also resonated with fans worldwide, leading to millions of streams and even the applause of megastars like Zach Bryan. Meeting at LSU, the band seized any opportunity to perform in front of an audience, gigging marathon cover sets at college bars and frat parties. By the time senior year rolled around, the four-piece cut their first original “Makeup.” It organically exploded online once Zach Bryan shared it on his Instagram story, calling it “the song of the year.” It eventually amassed over 10 million Spotify streams and paved the way for “Fair Weather” and 2025’s Leeward Drive EP. Along the way, they notably captured the ear of Better Than Ezra frontman Kevin Griffin who jumped at the chance to produce and co-write “Virginia” and introduced them to Warner Records. Now, The Bends’ raw and real sound that powers a series of 2026 singles and their forthcoming debut for Warner Records.

Chicago indie-rock band The Braymores have released their highly anticipated sophomore album, When The Lights Went Out, available now on all streaming platforms.

Led by focus track "Puppy Eyes," recently featured by Under the Radar Magazine, the album finds the band expanding both their songwriting and sonic palette while embracing darker, more cinematic storytelling.

"With this album, we explored writing stories about fictional characters instead of ourselves, leaning into a darker and more cinematic tone," says the band. "We wanted to make their extreme intrusive thoughts feel relatable while creating sounds that capture the intensity, confusion, and emotional complexity of dysfunctional relationships."

The release arrives at a pivotal moment for The Braymores as they prepare for one of the biggest performances of their career: a hometown appearance at Lollapalooza Chicago on July 30, where they will perform on the BMI Stage from 1:00–1:40 PM. The band will also continue an extensive run of tour dates throughout the summer and fall, bringing songs from When The Lights Went Out to audiences across the country.

Formed in 2022, The Braymores consist of Matt Tilles (vocals, guitar), Keegan Melaniphy (guitar), Russell Oren (drums), and Connor Kohanzo (bass). What began as a chance reconnection between former high school classmates quickly developed into a creative partnership built on a shared passion for songwriting and live performance.

Over the past three years, the band has quietly emerged as one of the Midwest's most promising independent acts. Through relentless touring, grassroots support, and a steadily growing catalog of releases, The Braymores have built momentum the old-fashioned way—earning fans one show at a time.

While their recorded music continues to evolve, the band's reputation has been forged onstage. Known for energetic performances, anthemic singalong choruses, and undeniable chemistry, The Braymores have become a sought-after live act throughout the region. With more than 40 performances scheduled throughout 2026, including festival appearances, headline dates, and support slots, the band is poised to reach its largest audience yet.

With When The Lights Went Out now available, a milestone Lollapalooza performance ahead, and new music already in development, The Braymores continue to build on their momentum and establish themselves as one of Chicago's fastest-rising indie-rock bands.