The Let Downs with Mexican Slum Rats, Love Letter, and more

Mexican Slum Rats, an emo-jazz fusion rock band from Granada Hills, California, captivates with high-octane performances and expressive instrumentals. Known for balancing tranquility with chaos, their sound blends punk, surf, and math-rock elements. Popular songs include "Sunday" and "Away." Their discography features albums like "I Can't Tell You But I Know That It's Mine" and "SEE YOU AROUND." They have shared stages with notable artists and are recognized for their emotionally charged music.

Clarion, an East LA band, blends shoegaze, post-punk, and Japanese rock. Known for their immersive sound, Saya (vocals/bass), Anthony (guitar), and Joseph (drums) formed the group in late 2023. Their "Clarion" EP features the popular song "Hello Juliet," which garnered millions of streams. They released the "Blue Fairy" EP in 2026. The band is recognized for community involvement.

Love Letter are a New England hardcore band formed by guitarists Jay Maas (ex-Defeater) and Quinn Murphy (ex-Verse). Their album Everyone Wants Something Beautiful, out on Iodine Recordings, explores insecurity, self-awareness, and generational trauma.