Ska-punk crew Horizon Point “Bend The Truth” sign to Manic Kat Records
West Coast ska/alternative rock crew Horizon Point has dropped new single, “Bend The Truth”.
The quintet have also announced their signing to Manic Kat Records, with vocalist Jen Waters sharing: “We are so excited to sign with Manic Kat Records! Our first EP with MKR is already in the works, and should be out later this year.”
Opening up on the band’s thematic drivers and the new single, Waters adds: “A big part of Horizon Point’s message is about mental health, and this song has an extra special meaning for us. It’s a story about a relationship between two people who have experienced trauma in their lives. They’re both trying to improve themselves and break the cycle of the past to be better partners. The hook, “I’m so scared, but I want to get better”, can be applied to so many moments in life where you’re on the cusp of change but still afraid to take the first step. It’s a song about encouragement and hope for something new. ”
Feeling creatively stifled from the pandemic, sick of playing covers at the same wine bars every weekend, husband and wife duo Jen & Jordan Waters strived for something more. The shutdown inspired them to reclaim their punk rock roots and in doing so, Horizon Point was born.
The uniquely collaboratively group of multi-instrumentalists sees all five members partake in the songwriting process, offering a fresh and dynamic angle. Horizon Point’s self-proclaimed “sad ska” fuses catchy horn lines and off-beat rhythms of American ska-punk, with melancholy lyrics, themes of heartbreak and resilience, and a sprinkle of angst.
Awash with both relatability and authenticity, Horizon Point have earned a loyal regional following, as well as picking up Best Punk Artist at the Modesto Area Music Awards in 2023.
The band has worked diligently to gain recognition in their local and regional scenes, winning “Best Punk Artist” at the Modesto Area Music Awards in 2023, off the back of their deeply personal sophomore EP, Midnite Feelings.
Jen and Jordan are both licensed counsellors; indeed Horizon Point’s songs are a conduit to break mental health stigma. The tracks capture personal experiences healing from trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD. But whilst the inspiration is rooted in mental health struggles, sonically the band uplift and energize. Debut full-length, 2024’s What If It All Works Out? honed a high energy brand of melodic punk, with vibrant horns, pacey riffs and a compelling lead vocal all capturing fans’ attention.
The album also caught the attention of indie punk label Manic Kat Records and Horizon Point now have their first label home, just in time for the release of new single “Bend The Truth”. Fans of We Are The Union, Reel Big Fish and Less Than Jake will find resonance in the track, a bouncy ska anthem that evokes 00s nostalgia whilst ringing true with freshness and authenticity.
Horizon Point is: Jen Waters (vocals/sax), Jordan Waters (vocals/guitar), Raul Ontiveros (trombone), Adam Castellanos (drums), and Blake Boetto (bass).
