October '26
THE FIELD REPORT
EMO NITE AT THE TUNNELS
Happy Halloween, and welcome back to another edition of The Field Report, your source for the scoop on local music and burgeoning artists. If you love saying "I knew about them before they blew up!", you're in the right place.
On October 17th, 2026, Obsidian Frequency threw another successful show, this time it was Emo Nite at the Austin Tunnels. Usually, I sigh heavily in disappointment when I see Emo Nite flyers, because that means a DJ playing the same music I've heard a thousand times to a crowd that doesn't care about their local scene. But you probably already know, Obsidian Frequency does things different. This was a show with a bill of bands coming from as far as McAllen, Texas (which is an impressive 5 hour, 300 mile drive). On the bill we had Mad Party, In Between Empires, Archwood, Quiet Ghosts, and finally, Of Our Hearts. After my coverage of this show, I've also got some exclusive interview information from Mad Party and Quiet Ghosts. Read on to check that out and expand your scene knowledge with some cool lore.
Tap here to jump to Quiet Ghosts.
In this month's edition of The Field Report, I'll be doing something frightening:
If you've been around Thornwyld for a bit, you know that every Field Report used to come with a X/10 rating for each band that I saw. I don't do this for every show I see. I find it's only fair if I'm really present for the entire show, and paying quality attention to what's happening. And I have to be honest with myself about that. Sometimes I just go to shows for fun.
But this time, I was present and attentive from start to finish in covering this show. So I'll be giving each band a rating from 1-10 based on how well I though they performed overall.
Disclaimer: This element is just my personal opinion, and opinions are like buttholes (you can google why). Cool? Cool.
"What Happens If I Can't Check My MySpace When We Get There?"
The ATX Tunnels are one of my favorite spots in the world. Where I'm from (the middle of nowhere), there are no spots like this. There is no scene like this. There is no local music community like this. So I've really come to treasure this awesome area and the sick music that it supports. Although, this month, there was some crazy shit that happened there (don't even get me started).
Before heading there, I picked up Obsidian Frequency and we loaded all his gear up: mic/stands, generator, gas can, PA system. We had to turn back around because he forgot the trash bags, but it's all good. That was worth turning around for, even if some of the bands beat us there. It's important that we respect the spot and do our best to keep it clean.
After getting all the gear loaded in (which is far more work than you think), the show got started. Once we've set everything up, it's all about the bands. Spotlight, on. And who better to open the show than Mad Party? Read on after the show synopsis and band ratings for an exclusive scoop from them.
Mad Party
Mad Party was the absolute perfect opener for this show. Let's be real, it's hard to be an opening act. The crowd isn't fired up yet, and you have to create the momentum and the vibe from scratch. In some ways, it's a really good test of your material.
That being said, they fit the vibe of the open October air perfectly. They were moody, in your face, and sounded tight. Their sound was so reminiscent of early bands like Joy Division (who they covered during their set), Bauhaus, and The Cure. While this is definitely more of a post-punk style, they had their own death-like spin to it, with the singer donning a crisp visage of corpse paint. The influence of early first-wave hardcore bands was also pretty evident with the speed and chord styles. They make music that's amazing to skate to. They'd feel right at home in the soundtrack of a game like Skate 3.
My only critique is that they left the show early. I know, I know, everyone has shit to do, but it's still kinda lame. Stick around and watch the bands!
Tap to reveal their rating:
7.5/10
In Between Empires
In Between Empires was a really interesting group. They had a really sick skramz feel to them, and were clearly very influenced by groups such as I Set My Friends On Fire and Attack Attack!. At some point during their set, they actually did cover Stick Stickly, and the energetic response from the crowd was pretty sick. That's the point where we really started seeing some moshing and hardcore dancing (my personal favorite). I know groups with a sound like this (riffs interspersed with electronic breaks) can be divisive, and I have to admit, I'm not as fond of the sound as I once used to be. But I haven't forgot what it was like to love it. I grew up on bands like Asking Alexandria and Bring Me The Horizon, and they incorporated that into their sound often. And surprise, surprise, kids STILL love that shit. Their sound took me back and I really enjoyed it.
Their rating:
8/10
Archwood
Man, I really loved this band. They sounded JUST like so many of the midwest-sounding bands that were popping off when I was a teenager. If you asked me in 2016 what my favorite band was, within a half-second I'd have answered Real Friends. This band beautifully emulates (yet spins new life) on that raw, major 7th riffing, whined-up era of pop-punk. I'd say they're for fans of Real Friends, Movements, The Wonder Years, Modern Baseball, and Super Whatevr.
They were able to get quite a bit of movement themselves! They're definitely not the kind of music you hardcore dance to, but people were really digging their sound and jumping around.
They are the answer to the age-old question:
"Y'all mind if a white boy puts a lil' steez on it?"
However, I have one massive complaint about them:
They haven't released any music yet! FIX. THIS. IMMEDIATELY. I already had like 6 people in mind to send them to when Frank told me that they hadn't released anything yet. It was like a punch to the gut.
Their rating:
9/10
Quiet Ghosts
This band drove up all the way from McAllen! Fahhh! That is one long drive. A huge thanks to them for making that journey to play our humble Tunnels.
Quiet Ghosts were really awesome in a hyper specific way. Their sound was really made up of haunting, melodic, emo-infused metalcore, and it sounded sick as hell. I had just taken a note down during their set that said, "reminds me of Elena Seigman", when Frank tapped me on the shoulder and yelled that they reminded him of the COD Zombies easter egg songs. If you like that niche of metal (songs like 115, Lullaby For A Deadman, Beauty Of Annihilation) then you're bound to love the powerful, ectoplasmic music of Quiet Ghosts. They were really down to earth and genuine, and there was something about this ragtag group of skilled musicians that really charmed me.
Read on to check out their exclusive interview!
Their rating:
9/10
Of Our Hearts
Of Our Hearts was the last band of the night and unfortunately, they ran into some pretty heavy technical difficulties during their set, particularly with their guitar. The guitarist was wearing a KatyWentMissing shirt, which checks out. I used to love that band.
They have the potential to be some really cool melodic skramz, but I think they'd agree with me that this wasn't their finest hour. Their setup was just not cooperating with them. The guitar tone was just really unpleasant to the ear, like something had blown out or a cable/pedal wasn't working correctly. Honestly, I think it's time for the guitarist to upgrade from that Fender amp and get some better cables. A tuner pedal like a Korg Pitchblack is invaluable as well. Investing in your craft will reward you.
The star of their performance for me was their drummer. He carried them with everything had. Bless that man. He fought tooth and nail.
Their rating:
5/10
They shouldn't let this get them down. The bones for something rad are there, they just need some refinement. Regroup and hit it hard next time. Scrape the pawn shop for some good, reliable second hand gear.
And that concludes my coverage of Emo Nite. Thanks again to Obsidian Frequency for everything he does to put on these shows and take care of the spot. DM him if you're interested in getting on a show yourself.
Now, let's talk about Quiet Ghosts.
THE APPARITION OF QUIET GHOSTS
I had the opportunity to ask Quiet Ghosts a little bit about their band and what they've been up to. All photos were taken by the incredibly talented photographer Lee Taylor. His portfolio is star-studded and established as hell. His work is really excellent and the quality is high-caliber. Please consider buying him a coffee.
I'm grateful that Quiet Ghosts were willing to open up and let me in their world, and I'm so happy to share this here with you. Check it out.
[On their origins]:
Quiet Ghosts started as a project by Bones Martinez (Guitarist) and Jon Ovalle (Drummer) based in McAllen, TX. Before our singer, Mimi Jaudian, joined, Chino Gamez (Guitarist) contributed to our musical identity, writing music, and helped record our first EP, Not All Days Are Dark.... After a couple months of our live debut, we were joined by bassist, Izzy Ramon, and in our 3rd year we were joined by guitarist, Zeke Saenz, for live performances.
We all met through the local music scene in the **Rio Grande Valley with the exception of Mimi, who we found in the back of the dumpster (JK, we found her at karaoke).
We would describe our genre as emo metalcore with our first few songs being more emo. As time passed, we started incorporating different genres such as hardcore/deathcore/post-hardcore in our newer releases.
We started Quiet Ghosts to bring awareness to mental health and as an outlet for those dealing with issues like depression, bipolar, and isolation post Covid-19. We wanted to bring light upon the importance of having community when facing the struggles of mental illness. At the end of the day we want people to know that they are not alone in their quiet battles.
[On their newest work]:
Our newest EP released in September titled "Not All Days Are Dark...." is an homage to our singers past of dealing with toxic relationships as well as struggling with depression and suicidal ideations. The EP begins with songs about abusive relationships/ suicide and ultimately ending in a positive note where our singer writes to their younger self that in the end it does get better and to keep on living.
The challenges we faced were minimal other than financially, we all worked hard in and outside the studio to be able to bring you all this EP with thanks to our recording engineer, Rudy Industrial.
Our first EP is the first chapter to a bigger story where we can continue to talk about our struggles in everyday life that we can overcome. We hope our listeners can take away from the songs that we've written and that they can find comfort in not being alone. In the end, we are all beautiful and we should keep living because we never know where life can take us.
[Mimi Jaudian (Vocals)]:
What drives me to play music is being able to perform and release my emotions in whatever song I'm singing. Growing up as a kid, I never could properly express my feelings and music was one of the only outlets that allowed me to show my soul and put my sadness/anger out into the world instead of keeping it inside.
My top 3 influences for my writing and singing would be Billy Talent, Imogen Heap, and Three Days Grace. All three bands were a staple in my childhood. Their music definitely defined who I am as a person and heavily contributed to my musical ear.
[Zeke Saenz (Guitar)]:
My drive to play music is to make a living doing what I love and spreading a message that others can relate to, not only that but it’s also an escape from my mental issues.
Top 3 Influences in order:
Family member; My mom, always gonna be my mom for everything.
Albums that have influenced me:
1st - Shogun by Trivium
2nd - Safe Is Just A Shadow by Ice Nine Kills
3rd - Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies by Volbeat
Some other albums that influenced me heavily, especially on my vocals and lead playing: the latter half of the album Acceptance In The Waves, and The Greatest Story Ever Told (both by Ice Nine Kills).
Front to back, no skips whatsoever, beautifully written metalcore masterpiece made in standard tuning.
Songs that have influenced me:
1st - Shogun by Trivium
No words, nada, none... This song is just PERFECTION.
2nd - M.I.A by Avenged Sevenfold
In my opinion, one of the most perfectly written modern metal songs, lyrically, melodically, and instrumentally.
3rd - Cold by At The Gates
I don’t even need to explain ANYTHING, THIS IS MELODEATH PERFECTION.
Editor's note: Bro I cannot believe you put At The Gates below Avenged Sevenfold. I'm crowdkilling you on sight.
Honestly, just raising awareness for men’s mental health is a big fucking thing for me, especially as someone who has had to deal with severe depression, anxiety, and AuDHD. That and also for the LGBTQ+ community, being demisexual myself.
[Jon Ovalle (Drums)]:
What drives me to play music is just that crazy rush that playing the stage, floor, or pavement gives me. Or where ever I get to setup and share some raw energy with a lot of new faces.
So 3 influences that drive me; One is God because I feel blessed to be given such drive enough to learn the few instruments that I’ve learned, and to have come across so many people who just love jamming music and having/sharing a good time. Two, Metallica was a huge musical influence to me because of how big of a name that they are, the cool range of music that they’ve done with the various albums they’ve made, and just the melodic riffs and driving drums were so cool. They make me strive for a similar energy with my writing. Three, would be the therapeutic aspect of the release of stress and build up that this world could put on oneself, ya know? It’s just a great disconnect from this mortal plane that we live on and I’m glad that this is that reliever for me. I think it’s cool that Quiet Ghosts could possibly be partaking in the realm of relief and sense of knowing that we are people living and feeling battles that maybe you are experiencing as well. Biggest thing we can say, and want you to know, is you are not alone and we can get through obstacles together. Speak your mind and jam some music.
[Bones Martinez (Guitar)]:
My love for music and the enjoyment of creating drives me to play music. At a very young age, I was intrigued by playing guitar. When I was 6 years old, I discovered Guns N' Roses, and watching Slash play his guitar got me hooked. I fantasized about being in a band at a very young age. My major musical influences are: Guns N' Roses for their rebellious sound, Thrice for their riffs and melodies, and Unearth for their heavy yet melodic riffs. I also have been influenced by screamo music. I love catchy melodies both musically and vocally. I have been in the music scene for over 10 years and I don't intend to slow down. The fire inside (AFI too lol) is still burning bright. I am grateful for every opportunity and thankful to everyone that has given our music a chance.
I hope that our music connects to every misfit, every person that has felt alone, who has been shunned for being different and not conforming to the norm. As a queer Latina, I want to use my platform to speak to my community and tell them to never back down and never compromise who you are. <3
[Izzy Ramon (Bass)]:
Hello! My name is Izzy. I am the bassist for Quiet Ghosts! And also lead singer/guitarist for kill your television.
My journey began at the age of 13, when I started learning to play and discovering my passion for music. Growing up, I was also into skateboarding, which became a big part of my life. My musical influences include bands like HIM, Nirvana, and Type O Negative, whose unique sounds helped shape my love for grunge, alternative rock, and dark, melodic music.
I’ve always been drawn to grunge and alternative rock, just that raw 90s feeling gets me going. Music has given me a way to express myself and be who I am. My goal is to share my music with the world and connect with people through the sound and energy of grunge. When I saw Quiet Ghosts perform live, I noticed they didn’t have a bassist. And at the time I wanted to explore and have an open mind for different genres, so I decided to take a chance and asked if I could join/audition.
And here I am enjoying what I love most. Playing music and enjoying life as it comes.
Thanks so much to Quiet Ghosts for being vulnerable with me and sharing some of their essence. It's fascinating to me how all these different influences combine to what ultimately becomes a unique sound to fall on the ear. You'll notice not a single member listed Elena Seigman or COD Zombies easter eggs as an influence. So interesting. The way we receive music is as unique as the way we make it.
You can find Quiet Ghosts Instagram by tapping on their name anywhere in this article. They're also on Facebook, Spotify, TikTok, and YouTube. For booking or media inquiries, you can also email Bones1098@gmail.com.
Much love, Quiet Ghosts. <3
Hello human! Thanks so much for reading and/or contributing to The Field Report, made by humans FOR humans. There will be another one next month!
I can't stress how important it is to contribute to your community. Consider sending in a submission (music, art, writing, poetry, events, random thoughts, birthdays, shoutouts, classifieds) using the link at the top of the page. We do not permit AI submissions of any kind.
Creating The Field Report is a labor of love. Please consider donating if you're able. Everything directly helps me bring more attention to our community. These creatives deserve to be visible and I'm here to help ensure that happens.
⬇Tap the button if you enjoyed this!