Sincere Engineer

Sincere Engineer functions as the alias for Chicago-based punk-infused singer/songwriter Deanna Belos, whose vigorous fusion of intense punk-pop, emo, and folk elements calls to mind Lawrence Arms, Direct Hit!, Real Friends, Hop Along, and Waxahatchee. The project launched in 2017 via Rhombithian, preserving a blue-collar, D.I.Y. ethos even as it pursued a more polished tone across the follow-ups Bless My Psyche in 2021 and Cheap Grills in 2023.

Belos first honed her craft within the Windy City’s D.I.Y. folk-punk community, relying chiefly on acoustic performances. Red Scare Industries, a prominent local punk imprint, signed her in 2016, prompting sessions alongside producer Matt Jordan (You Blew It!, Signals Midwest) and a complete band. The resulting October 2017 release Rhombithian delivered a burst of jittery yet affable punk numbers. Prior to unveiling 2021’s Bless My Psyche on Hopeless Records, the act secured a contract with the label; that album presented a catchy, relatable collection that merged the raw emotional force of its predecessor with broader sonic textures. On their third album, 2023’s Cheap Grills, Belos and her collaborators further honed this retro-leaning pop-punk approach.