Chico’s delivered a jolt to the system with the arrival of “Too Late.” This release through New Morality Zine marks a significant shift for the California quintet. They’ve moved from their early college-era sounds into a space of high-intensity alternative rock. It’s a track that demands your full attention from the very first second.
The music runs for less than two minutes. This is a concentrated burst of punk energy and melodic aggression. Blistering guitars collide with a vocal performance that moves from raw power to a bluesy growl. You’ll find no wasted notes here.
Drummer Tony Rangel wrote the lyrics during a period of financial hardship. It’s a blunt examination of a system that keeps people in a cycle of repetitive labor. The line about throwing away your brain hits hard for anyone working through the daily grind. It’s a completely honest reflection on the reality of the modern workforce.
Rangel also directed the visual for the track (which you can stream now). It uses VHS footage to create a nostalgic aesthetic that eventually shifts into a surreal trip. The video matches the frantic pace of the music perfectly. It captures the energy of a group that’s hitting a new creative peak.
The road beckons immediately for this group. They’ve scheduled a West Coast run this month with Dreamcast and Free Concern. Later this year they join Death Lens for a series of dates across Texas and California. These shows promise to be high-energy affairs based on the speed of the new material.
The rhythm section provides a jagged foundation that keeps the energy levels high. It’s an impressive display of technical skill paired with raw emotion. They’re making music that feels necessary right now. This is a call to pay attention to one of the most exciting groups in the scene.
2026 Tour Dates:
5/7 Los Angeles, CA @ Permanent Records
5/8 San Diego, CA @ TBA
5/9 Tucson, AZ @ Groundworks
5/10 Mesa, AZ @ Nile Coffee Shop
9/25 Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
9/26 San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
9/27 Austin, TX @ 13th Floor
9/28 Denton, TX @ Rubber Gloves
9/30 Phoenix, AZ @ Rebel Lounge
10/1 San Diego, CA @ Voodoo Room
10/2 Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room
10/3 Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy