Linchpin

Linchpin is a metalcore and sludge band from Setúbal, Portugal. The group is made up of Joey on vocals, Olle on drums, Paul on guitar and Mikey on bass guitar.

Background

The band has been active for over four years and is described as having all four members at 17 years of age at that point. It builds its sound around a heavy, pop-metal approach, while also being associated with hardcore, punk, power pop, indie and emo tags. The group presents itself as working outside the pop industry and on its own terms.

Small Town Theory

Linchpin’s debut mini-album, Small Town Theory, is a key release in its profile. It is described as a release that brings together the band’s early promise and a thunderous pop-metal sound. The record is also framed as having a loose concept, centred on making the most of themselves, breaking the mould and aiming for something beyond their local surroundings.

Reception and profile

The band attracts early attention through its first video, which is downloaded 33,000 times, and its first pressing, which sells out in 48 hours. It receives praise from Kerrang!, Metal Hammer and Rock Sound, and is also written about positively by The Independent. Dave Grohl also calls the band “fucking awesome”.

Style and outlook

Linchpin avoids the then-trendy emo scene in favour of a more direct, hook-led style, with a stated belief that good songs matter regardless of fashion or age. The members describe youth as an advantage, saying it helps them relate to their audience, while also noting that they have older fans as well. The band says it wants to make music its long-term focus rather than working in shops for a living.