Localized: Fight the Future

They don’t call the month “March” for nothing. Get up, go outside and attend protests, mental health support groups and most importantly, live music events. Fight the Future and P.S. Destroy This are two badass bands that organize much more than just shows. With a steadfast diligence to remain authentic to their genre’s roots, you won’t want to miss their compelling cries at Kilby Court on Monday, March 17 with a crushing opening set by Venus Death Trap. This $5 show, sponsored by Riso-Geist, opens at 7:00 p.m. and music kicks off at 8:00.

I waited at the circular table in the back corner of Salt Lake Coffee Break waiting for the members of Fight the Future to order their drinks. Their vocalist (and SLUG Style alumnus) Kelly Green came back to the table with a hot green tea. The whole band was decked out in their finest flannel, dark-wash jeans and Dolly Parton merch. They left an impression of passion, experience and insight that could only be found in committed members of a hardcore punk rock band.

“I try to put a hopeful spin on things. Like, everything is fucked up but it doesn’t have to be.” 

The origin of Fight the Future is a story of friends finding one another. Green and guitarist Adrian Rollins toured nationally together with their past band, The Teen Tragedies. Years later, Rollins and drummer Jordan Breen began spending time together through mutual acquaintances; they would attend full moon gatherings together. The alignment of astrological divination led the three members to desire starting a band. Looking for a bassist, they found Dook, the fourth and final member of the gritty collective. Tired of searching for a band name, Rollins began listing off The X-Files episode titles to see if anything would stick. Liking the ring of “Fight the Future,” coupled with their ideals of wanting to improve the state of society — the group knew what they wanted to be called. Don’t be surprised if they change it to “Fight for the Future” imminently, though.

Each member cites separate inspirations for their sound. Breen is partial to bands like Green Day, AFI, NOFX and Polar Bear Club when developing his drumming style. Meanwhile, Green looks to artists that write lyrics with a poetic style, namely Jawbreaker, Tilt, Boysetsfire and Steve Earle. Dook claimed few specific inspirations, explaining that the music that piques his interest melds together into how he plays — he loves Iron Maiden, though. Rollins gets excited to see the local scene thrive in its newfangled and growing youth, feeling as though he gets to pass the torch to the incoming generation of hardcore bands.

“It’s our duty, not just as a band but as a class, a working class, to orient our peers to understand that the things that are happening shouldn’t spell a defeat.”

With straightforward and strong opinions as the foundation of their lyrics and sound, Fight the Future continues the long-loved tradition of making punk music for the sake of social change. “It’s common sense punk rock ethics: Don’t be a dick, treat people well,” says Dook. The group is dedicated to keeping their audiences informed, as well as acting as a mouthpiece for the angry proletariat. What some may call “angry” or “negative,” Green transforms into hope for a better tomorrow. “I try to put a hopeful spin on things. Like, everything is fucked up but it doesn’t have to be,” says Green. There is a discontentment rising among Americans that takes its form through burnout, over-productivity and escapism. The members spoke candidly about feeling so tired while also inspired to take action. Rollins had much to say about this part of humanity: “It’s our duty, not just as a band but as a class, a working class, to orient our peers to understand that the things that are happening shouldn’t spell a defeat.”

Check out Fight the Future on Instagram at @fight.the.future and come see their Localized set at Kilby Court on March 17.

Read more recent Localized interviews:
Localized: P.S. Destroy This
Localized: Fur Foxen