Sunny Day Real Estate – ‘In Circles’

I used to spend hours sitting on my bedroom floor, cranking this record and trying to learn every part. When this came out, they were completely changing the sound of the scene. The production is raw and lo-fi, but in a way that’s perfect for the song.

Then last year, I got to tour with them. It was amazing getting to watch one of my childhood favourite bands every night.

Cave In – ‘Jupiter’

I’ve always loved this track for its “spacey” atmosphere and vibe. It has a sound and texture entirely its own. Hearing it brings me back to my first tours, I spent hours in the van, just getting lost in this album.

No Knife – ‘Academy Fight Song’

No Knife truly crafted a sound that was uniquely theirs. Every time I hear this track, I want more. It’s incredible. The bass work is amazing and really drives the whole song.

Fugazi – ‘Repeater’

A true classic from one of the most influential bands in underground punk. This track takes me back. It was the anthem for my friends and I while gearing up for snowboarding trips. It was always our go-to while getting ready for the mountain.

What makes Fugazi truly legendary is their integrity; they operated strictly on their own terms and never changed for anyone. That’s why they still stand out to me.

The Mars Volta – ‘Inertiatic ESP’

This song and the whole album changed everything. I remember my band at the time, along with the guys from The Fall of Troy, all piling into a van to listen. We were completely blown away. As a musician, this track is a full experience. The record is a masterpiece and will always be one of my all-time favourites.

Dig – ‘Believe’

They’re an underrated band from my teenage years. That ‘90s alternative sound, loud, distorted, fuzzed-out guitars. It brings me back to house shows in Queens when the grunge/alternative scene was exploding. The song still sounds great today and doesn’t feel dated.

A Perfect Circle – ‘The Hollow‘

There’s something special about this song. It’s heavy and aggressive, yet still atmospheric and polished. Billy Howerdel’s guitar work and Maynard’s vocals are incredible.

At the Drive-In – ‘Pattern Against User’

When ‘Relationship of Command’ dropped, everyone in a band wanted to be them, sound like them, look like them, move like them. This song is punk, but creative and musically unique. It just always hits.

Deftones – ‘Change (In The House Of Flies)’

The chemistry between Chino, Chi, Stef, and Abe on those early Deftones records is legendary. This song is perfect. Heavy, melodic, and effortlessly cool, like so much of their catalogue. It’s amazing they’re still going strong and as big as ever. Everyone loved them in high school and still does today.

Radiohead – ‘A Reminder’

There’s something haunting and beautiful about this track. The way the instrumental melodies pull you toward the vocals. You can really feel the sadness. While it might not be one of their biggest hits, it’s one of their finest pieces of work.

Held’s debut album ‘Grey’ is out on 15th May 2026 via MNRK Heavy.