In the face of the adversity and hostility enveloping our global community, reactions tend to skew toward the extremes: escapist joy or full-steam-ahead revolution. Smooth Brain is asking the question: Why not both?

This pop-punk quintet from the tri-state area is fighting the oppression of LGBTQ people by proving not only that they exist, but that they are not going anywhere anytime soon. They are forging community through impassioned songs about love and heartbreak; confusion and nostalgia; queer joy and pure rage. To the band, those last two go hand in hand – nothing could be more in the spirit of rebellion than dancing and singing together.

That’s the most crucial part: unity. Whether at a show or at home, it’s all about the music and the community … the togetherness of it all.