Chon

A technical post-hardcore outfit emphasizing dense instrumental interplay, Chon came together in San Diego during 2008. Its founding lineup featured bassist and vocalist Esiah Camarena, drummer Nathan Camarena, and guitarists Erick Hansel and Mario Camarena. Although the group performed regularly within the emo and post-hardcore circuit, its material drew from jazz, prog rock, and classical sources even in those early days. By the 2013 release of the debut EP Newborn Sun, Esiah had already departed, with Drew Pelisek stepping in on bass. After extensive touring, the band issued a second EP, Woohoo!, the following year and then delivered its first full-length album, Grow, on Sumerian Records in 2015. Pelisek exited near the close of that year, prompting a period in which three separate bassists filled the role, among them Esiah, who returned to the fold as an official member in 2016. The sophomore album Homey appeared in 2017 and incorporated fresh hip-hop and R&B elements into the sound. Shortly afterward came a self-titled third album that featured the singles “Petal” and “Peace.”