Cowards

Cowards formed in Los Angeles in the early 2000s. Their music had a raw intensity that came through in songs like 'Arrogant, Unseen' and 'Smell Of An Addict,' with lyrics that often dealt with insecurity and self-doubt. They released albums including 'The Arrogance of Ignorance' in 2003 and 'The Fragility of Strength' in 2007.

The band's lineup included James Van Leuven on vocals and guitar, Dan Brennan on bass, and Matt Drudge on drums. Their sound didn't fit neatly into genre categories, and they worked with artists like Damien Rice and Flying Lotus. Some listeners found their approach too introspective, while others connected with the directness of tracks like 'Blessed Persistence' and 'The Old City.'

Cowards built a following through touring and performances that felt unpolished and honest. They didn't seem interested in smoothing out the rough edges of their music or their subject matter. The band kept at it for several years, putting out records and playing shows without much industry fanfare.