Demon Smiles

Demon Smiles

Demon Smiles are a female-fronted melodic punk rock band from Brighton. Formed in 2012, they are a UK melodic punk group that plays fast skate punk with an EpiFat-influenced sound. Their style is described as drawing on the energy of NOFX and Lagwagon, the vocal approach of Tilt, the self-deprecation of The Lawrence Arms and the emotion of Banner Pilot.

Formation and line-up

The band forms in Brighton in 2012 at a Banner Pilot show. At the start they do not have a bassist, so Cat begins playing bass just three hours before the first practice. The line-up includes drummer Steve, bassist Cat and Dan from RxR, and the group releases music through 13 Stitches DIY Punk Rock Records, a label run by Steve, Cat and Dan.

Releases

Demon Smiles release their first album, Burn It To The Ground, in 2013. They follow it with the HANDCANNON EP in 2014. In January 2015 they return to the studio to record a new album.

Live shows and appearances

Three months after forming, Demon Smiles play their first gig and continue gigging extensively. They support acts including Authority Zero, Counterpunch, Morning Glory, Lipstick Homicide, Vice Squad and Local Resident Failure. They also play Punk Rock Holiday in Slovenia in 2013 and 2014 alongside bands including NOFX, Millencolin, Propaghandi and Reel Big Fish; at that event, Reel Big Fish bring Cat on stage to sing with them.

Compilations and radio play

The band appears on the compilations Weapons of Construction and Clarion Call, both put together by Vermont DIY feminist punk label Stickshift Recordings. They are also featured on Punktastic’s 13.02 playlist and receive increasing radio play and exposure.