Distracted

BY: ALLIE RUSSELL

New Hampshire hardcore band Alchemy is gearing up for a major release with their second LP,  COULD IT BE ANY WORSE? set to drop on January 10^th. The band consists of vocalist and guitarist Jared Hazelton, drummer Ben LeBeau, bassist Jared Boren, and guitarist Charlie McKelvey. They’re a hardcore band at heart infused with a pop sensibility, allowing them to maintain heaviness while still having catchy songs. 

Following up their most recent EP, titled Seeing People in Empty Spaces, the new record reflects the bands growth both musically and personally. Hazelton described it as more refined and streamlined, with lyrics that feel more self-aware compared to their debut, which had a more outward focus. “Our first record was made when we were still in college and had time to experiment in the studio” he said. This time, the process was more structured. The band recorded drums in their college town but completed the rest of the album at home, requiring a more disciplined approach to writing and preparation.   

Hazelton acknowledges the record’s darker tones, describing it as “a depressing record,” shaped by personal struggles during its creation. “There was a lot happening at the time”, he admitted. While initially setting out to craft a more uplifting album, he leaned into the raw emotion of the moment instead. 

In the lead-up to the album’s release, Alchemy has dropped several singles, each accompanied by dynamic music videos that showcase the band’s energy and creativity. ONCOMING TRAFFIC, the first single, is particularly personal. The video, directed by Hazelton and Sarah O’Neil, is described as “a depression walk” and features creative editing to match the mood of the song. YOURS FOREVER features Slamwich, and Hazelton calls it his favorite video so far. It was filmed at the Beaver Brook Reservation in Belmont, Massachusetts, and later at his grandparents’ house. “she killed those shots,” he said of Slamwich’s performance. THAT’S ME features twothousands. and was filmed at the Plymouth skate park. Its quick cuts capture the unrelenting energy of Alchemy’s live performances.

Alchemy is set to embark on a short tour following the album’s release, with stops in Providence, Boston, Philadelphia, and Portsmouth. Hazelton promises that their live shows will be a good time for everyone, even those who aren’t typically fans of heavy music. “We bridge the gap between people wanting a high-energy live show and people who don’t want to see music that makes them uncomfortable” he said. The Portsmouth show is billed as the “Alchemy Dance Party”, featuring a mix of genres with pop-punk, americana, and hardcore bands sharing the stage. “I’ve always been a fan of mixed bills. It’s something unique,” Hazelton added. 

When asked what he wants people to take away from the project, Hazelton emphasized that hardcore is more welcoming than it seems. “When you strip it back, it’s the most fun and welcoming scene I’ve been a part of,” he said. “People get caught up in the loudness and screaming, but nobody’s ever going to turn you away from a hardcore show because you don’t look or act the part”

Hazelton gave heartfelt shoutouts to his bandmates, highlighting their contributions to the project. “Ben helped record our first EP and album – he’s the best drummer I’ve ever known. Charlie started playing bass just to be in the band, and Jared [Boren] joined almost a year ago, adding a huge boost to our live setting. It’s been a great year for the four of us”

Looking ahead, Alchemy hopes to expand their reach with a longer tour, potentially heading out to the Midwest and beyond. While Hazelton mentioned taking a brief break after their upcoming shows, he assured that more new music is on the horizon. “I’m always cooking,” he said, hinting that fans might see more new material as soon as this year. 

With COULD IT BE ANY WORSE?, Alchemy continues to push the boundaries of how catchy and compelling hardcore music can be. Whether through their live performances, visually captivating videos, or emotionally charged music, the band is poised to make waves in the New England hardcore scene and beyond. 

Catch Alchemy’s new album on January 10^th and stay tuned for their high-energy live shows coming later this year.