“You’re gonna make it with that last one”, yells a man standing in front of the stage at Flipside 2023. Before him, standing on the stage, is a group of men who are out of breath. They are Trauma Kit. The audience seems to pay the yelling man no mind. Not because they don’t believe him, but because Trauma Kit is a band that demands full attention. Trauma Kit is an enigma in form, one that defies an explanation. Is it some sort of Nu-Metal revival? Is it sludge covered, bass-driven rock?

Is it blast beats, or steady at the wheel guitar rock? Is it verbose musings on life, emotion, or betrayal?

Funny enough, no.

It is Life magazine. It is now. It is today.

If that sounds like a dodge, or a hedge to hide behind. Trauma Kit is merely a diagnostic tool. They tell you what is wrong, what is occurring, and what must change, while offering no solution and no redemption. If you think you need more than that to sum up what Trauma Kit is all about. If you'd rather read a lengthy report of the lives, influences, and ideals of the band members. Then all I can respond with is a paraphrased quote from front-person Mason Waters when I told him I was hoping to hear more of his lyrics in the mix at an upcoming show.

"That's not the fucking point."

- Bailey Allen Baker