\n\t\t\t\t@noechonet<\/a> |<\/p>\n
\t\t\t5.29.2026<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/out-of-line-bakersfield-hardcore-band.jpg\")
\nPhoto: Kevin Talley<\/p>\n
Bakersfield hardcore has quietly been building serious momentum lately, and Out of Line feel like the latest example of a scene full of longtime lifers refusing to slow down.<\/p>\n
Featuring members of Step By Step, BDR, and several other Central California bands, Out of Line came together naturally after years of friendships, shared bands, and time spent within the Bakersfield scene. Vocalist Nathan Habberfield explains that most of the band has been playing music together in some form since high school.<\/p>\n
\u201cTyler and I were talking about wanting to start a band again after not being in one for a few years,\u201d he\u00a0tells No Echo. \u201cWe always wanted to hook back up with Jerry and Jaren, but they were in another active band, so we didn\u2019t want to bug them. Then they left that band and hit us up about starting another project. Of course, we said yes.\u201d The lineup eventually rounded out with bassist Hayden Bishop, another longtime fixture within the local scene. \u201cIt all came together naturally,\u201d Bowden says.<\/p>\n
That chemistry shows throughout Rec Center, the band\u2019s brand-new album, which took nearly two years to complete. According to guitarist Tyler Brown, the extended timeline allowed the band to experiment heavily in the studio while figuring out exactly what Out of Line should sound like. \u201cWe spent a lot of time experimenting in the studio,\u201d he says. \u201cSome of it worked, some of it didn\u2019t, but it got us where we needed to be.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nOut of Line – Rec Center by find a way records\n<\/p>\n
Recorded at Snow Studios by Out of Line\u00a0guitarist Jerry Snow and drummer Jaren Sanchez, the release was mixed and mastered by Will Hirst. The resulting seven songs draw on a wide range of influences without locking themselves into a narrow hardcore style. \u201cThe best part about this band is that it\u2019s five dudes with five completely different musical tastes,\u201d Brown explains. \u201cWe\u2019re all involved in the writing, so when we get together, there are no egos. We just try to write songs we actually like and hope other people do too.\u201d<\/p>\n
That openness has helped shape a sound that moves comfortably between melodic moments, heavier grooves, and a straightforward hardcore style. \u201cThere\u2019s a little something for everyone,\u201d Brown says. \u201cWe all found hardcore for different reasons, but we ended up in the same place, and that\u2019s pretty rad.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/out-of-line-hardcore-band-bassist.jpg\")
\nPhoto: Kevin Talley<\/p>\n
Lyrically, Rec Center explores staying grounded as one navigates adulthood and everything that comes with it. \u201cThe vibe is about trying to stay positive while dealing with a lot of shit that isn\u2019t positive,\u201d Brown says, citing mental health struggles, family trauma, politics, and everyday responsibilities as major themes throughout the release.<\/p>\n
At the same time, Brown says the spirit within the Bakersfield hardcore community feels stronger than it has in years, especially with younger bands beginning to emerge. \u201cThe scene\u2019s in a really good spot right now,\u201d he says. \u201cWe\u2019ve seen plenty of ups and downs over the years, so we\u2019re just stoked to still be doing this.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also shouted out Tehachapi Hardcore, BDR, Step By Step, Stay Down, Earth Expired, Parasite Caste, If It Kills You, Andy Diehard, and The Warriors for continuing to help strengthen the region\u2019s scene.<\/p>\n
After more than two decades of playing in bands, Brown says one of the coolest parts now is watching younger kids experience hardcore for the first time.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re experiencing some of the best times of their lives,\u201d he says. \u201cBut they don\u2019t know it yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Rec Center is available now via Find a Way Records<\/a>.<\/p>\n Out of Line on social media: Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n Tagged: out of line<\/a><\/p>\n \t\tAbout the Author Owner of No Echo, Carlos Ramirez has played in the bands Black Army Jacket<\/a>, Hope Collapse<\/a>, and Deny the Cross<\/a>. Born and raised in Queens, NY, Carlos resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two kids.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/new-age-playlist.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t\t![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/avatar_2_4.jpg\"){kind=avatar}
\n\t\tCarlos Ramirez<\/p>\n