Ariel View

The chemistry between sisters Harmonie and Heaven Martinez forms the core of Ariel View, whose Cali punk-pop incorporates unexpected shifts that heighten both its distinctiveness and emotional accessibility. Elements of emo, surf, and psych rock, paired with confessional lyrics from a queer perspective, defined the fired-up yet vulnerable approach first showcased on Until My Lungs Are Cleared, the 2019 release that established the band’s voice.

Long before Ariel View existed, vocalist and guitarist Harmonie Martinez joined her sister Heaven, who handles vocals and bass, in making music during childhood in Ontario, California. The project took shape in 2014 once Harmonie began composing material and appearing at open-mike nights alongside Dulce Zanabria. To incorporate original songs into their sets, Heaven came aboard along with a series of drummers. The resulting energetic and emotional sound reflected influences ranging from the Beatles, the Doors, and the Smiths to later acts such as the Strokes, the Growlers, and Paramore.

Zanabria departed shortly after the self-titled debut album appeared in 2015. Further shifts followed in 2016 when Nadine Parra, who had previously collaborated with one of the band’s drummers, joined on drums. In 2017 Miranda Viramontes, an alumna of the local outfit MoonFuzz, took the role of lead guitarist. With personnel stabilized, Ariel View issued the heavier follow-up Leo in August 2017. The impact of their live performances and recordings led Epitaph to sign the group, resulting in the October 2019 arrival of Until My Lungs Are Cleared, produced by Joe Reinhart.