Ever since dropping their debut EP, To Those Who Wait, back in 2023, Brockton’s Give Up Hope has been making a name for themselves around the Boston scene, quickly earning the title that their city has made its namesake (“City of Champions”). Not only have they played alongside some of the heavy hitters in the scene like Embrace Today, Death Before Dishonor, downset., and Full Blown Chaos but they’ve also shown their support for members of the scene through playing benefit shows and always showing out for the local bands.
Made up of members who have spent decades in the scene already, they know the most important thing about hardcore is looking out for your own and they’ve been the best at living up to that notion. Give Up Hope formed in the early 2010s, before splitting up for a while until guitarist Jared and drummer Pat got back together in 2023 and have since been bringing some of that much needed energy back to South Shore hardcore.
Give Up Hope, influenced heavily by 100 Demons and Death Before Dishonor, makes for prime mosh fodder for any nimble dancers. In particular, Jared’s chugging riffs bringing to mind 100 Demons’ classic album In The Eyes of the Lord, and vocalist Cam equals his work with his towering voice that sounds like he’s screaming for salvation or logic in a world gone insane.
Since I last spoke with them, Give Up Hope has brought in some extra help with the talents of second guitarist Brett Harrington whose resume consists of South Shore legends like Street Power, Back of Tha Neck, and Cut Throat. Adding him to the fold has beefed up their sound even more than before and they’ve wasted no time putting him out on the front lines. “We've all known Brett for approximately 20 years," Jared explained to me. "He's an absolute powerhouse of a musician. His talents are endless, and he has really helped expand on our sound with his contributions to Give Up Hope. One of the best guitarists I know, seriously the dude is truly gifted."
Since Brett joined up he has helped Give Up Hope elevate their live sound and they demonstrated this most recently by playing a stacked show in Kingston, Massachusetts for Embrace Today’s first show in over a decade alongside local heroes Pledge, Drained, and newcomers, Low Tide. All this was put together as a benefit show for the family of Brent Berkeley, a member of the scene whose life was tragically cut short late last year.
Between playing shows and their own busy personal lives Give Up Hope has still been able to put together more tracks for their next EP, continuing their onslaught of heaving hardcore riffs and tales of hopelessness. Speaking on their writing process Jared told me, “With the addition of Brett on guitars we have collectively written a new EP that we are currently recording on as we speak. We are really settling into our sound with Brett, as he adds a level of heaviness and perspective that is really cementing our style. With our new material we really wanted to focus on what we all like the most. I feel there's a slightly more punk influence to a lot of the songs than the previous album. But there is still plenty of our thrashy, metallic Hardcore goodness to round everything out. It's very organic.”
The first example they have offered came with the release of their single “Difference” released back in January. Give Up Hope also filmed a music video for “Difference” shot by their friend Kristi Xhelili who also plays guitar in the band Clock Out. Check out the video below:
A heaving and dynamic track that takes you through the frustrations Cam has faced in times where expressing vulnerability was a mistake. “Lyrically, this song stems from the frustrations of pouring your heart out to people, and yet feeling like a stranger," he told me.
"After a while, a level of unconditional love feels like a burden when it repeatedly feels unrecognized or unappreciated. ‘I just wish I could understand why I could hate and love so much at the same time.’ ‘The map is braille. I'm out of touch, so why do I always feel too much?’ I've often found myself being ridiculed for feeling emotional in this sort of scenario. It's ironic to be criticized for caring too much."
READ MORE: 12 Newer Hardcore Bands to Check Out in 2025
With this track now well in everyone’s mind, you can get an idea on where their next release is going, Give Up Hope admitted that the first EP was written before the lineup was even set in stone and that already came out great. Now that they’ve locked in this lineup, they assure that the results will be even tighter than before on the next release.
“Having this new EP grow from the ground up is a lot more fulfilling. I think it truly encompasses our sound, while also bringing us all together to make this new rendition of the band," Jared remarked. Jared also admits that this will be followed up by a further single that will appear on the band's second EP. “I think this song is a good representation of where we hit our stride collectively as a 5 piece. That is the path we are on musically. We hope to put out another song that will also be on this EP, called ‘One of a Kind.’ Stay tuned!”
So while we wait for this next release, Give Up Hope will still be delivering your favorite kind of mosh riffs to the dancefloors of Boston. They have a massive show lined up for this weekend opening for Death Before Dishonor and Missing Link at the Middle East in Cambridge alongside Street Power, Soulless, and Shattered Realm. An insanely hostile environment to play at but Give Up Hope measures up to these heavy hitters.
They also have been announced for the reunion of The Neon Hookers from Boston who will be playing O’Brien’s in June with Neighborhood Shit, Gumskab. and The Blind. If you’re in the area you’re seriously going to want to consider hitting up these crazy shows. When asked about any plans for touring Cam stated: “We'd like to do some weekenders out of state and what not once the timing lines up” so keep a lookout on their socials for further announcements.
Give Up Hope aren’t just local heroes because of their deadly music and ability to create violence on the dancefloor, it’s their love for the scene and willingness to give everyone their dues whenever available. Having a good time with their friends is the main reason why they write this music and they do it well every time. So show them a little camaraderie and check out their music, their shows and be on the lookout for their next EP coming later this year.
Give Up Hope would like to shout out: Death Before Dishonor, C.O.A, Palehorse, On Broken Wings, TFR, Death's Hand, Choke Out, Street Power, Soulless, Hard Ca$h, Back Of Tha Neck, RISK, The Killer, DHS, Klaxon, Search Warrant, Gumskab. Check all of them out!
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Give Up Hope on social media: Facebook | Instagram
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