Of course, Naranjo would be nothing without his community, and to uplift the people around him, he launched OFFLEASH a few years ago — a collective of close friends who capture the spirit of the underground, doing everything from filming skate clips and music videos to designing and manufacturing clothing and throwing shows around Toronto. “I just wanted to make some kind of central hub for everyone to join in and identify with,” he says. “I wanted kids to see that you can do cool things, you can make cool things, [and] you don’t just have to sit around or party. I want to document this scene we have and show the world through our eyes what’s happening with our friends and our city.”
Read more: Drain want you to embrace the past, present, and future of hardcore
With BENT out today, Naranjo took us through the songs that paved the way for his sophomore album and teamed up with AP to premiere his new video “Too Loose.”
The Fact – “Intro/Facts”
Love this band, love this track. I feel like this song speaks volumes because of the energy it holds while also maintaining a nice simplicity. I never gotta be convinced to move to it.
Raze – “He Arrives By Limousine”
This song has some of the sickest tones and vocal performances on it. I’ve always liked how they make an identity through their style.
Ray Barretto – “Indestructible”
Hell yeah, love the message of this song and always a favorite growing up. Different sonically of course but something that’s always been inspiring to me.
The Adolescents – “Kids of the Black Hole”
This one is an old favorite, but it reminds me of my friends and an atmosphere that felt like one I would create. Again, real cool vocal stylings on this one. Very brash.
Taqbir – Taqbir EP
This band had such a raw sound and energy, and upon first listen, it really inspired me to kick back into doing some more raw stuff.
Bakar – “Dracula”
I really like the idea behind this song to use some kid’s weirder guitar and programmed drums. I feel like I don’t hear this as much as I’d like to.
Kim Gordon – “Murdered Out”
Really like the way they recorded this whole record, this song in particular. Very cool attitude captured here.
Faze – “Altered State”
Shoutout Montreal. Faze does it different. I love that.
Gazm – “Livin’ Like I Wanna”
Dude, Gazm rocks. Also shoutout Montreal. This is fire. It’s all in the title.
Alex G – “Brick”
These programmed drums are so nuts. Breakbeats have always been something I wanted to incorporate more into the DoFlame project, and I feel like we got to in this record.
Future – “I Serve the Base”
C’mon now.