The Buttertones

A moody Los Angeles-based surf rock/garage outfit with a Merseybeat heart and a take-no-prisoners punk attitude, the Buttertones draw inspiration from bands like the Sonics, the Beatles, the Monks, Joy Division, and the Cramps. Through atmospheric performances and releases such as 2017's Gravedigging and 2018's Midnight in a Moonless Dream, the ensemble cultivated a devoted following.

Formed in 2011 as a bedroom project by singer/guitarist Richard Araiza, drummer Modesto Cobian, and ex-Cherry Glazerr bassist Sean Redman, the Buttertones issued their cassette-only debut on Los Angeles-based garage pop label Lollipop before expanding to a five-piece with the addition of second guitarist Dakota Boettcher and saxophone player London Guzmån. Their sophomore long-player, American Brunch, appeared in 2015; the following year they signed with Innovative Leisure, which issued Gravedigging in 2017. A year later came their fourth album overall and second for Innovative Leisure, the Jonny Bell-produced Midnight in a Moonless Dream. After its release, live activity paused while Cobian recovered from an eye infection that required an eye patch; around the same time Boettcher left the group. In 2020 a rejuvenated Buttertones delivered their fifth full-length, the Bell-produced Jazzhound.