SUTRAS is a post-hardcore band from the greater Washington D.C. area that identifies itself as a “Dharma punk collective.” Their music is deeply rooted in themes of suffering, drawing influence from the regional post-hardcore scene as well as the broader “neo crust” movement.
The band finds inspiration in the likes of MAJORITY RULE, PIANOS BECOME THE TEETH, TRAGEDY, and FROM ASHES RISE, while also embracing a slower, heavier sound that nods to bands like HUM and JESU.
Beneath the layers of heavy instrumentation, SUTRAS explores themes of addiction, mental health, grief, and heartbreak. Their work delves into the Buddhist principles of suffering, drawing a parallel between punk rock ethics and the Dharma, suggesting that enlightenment can be achieved through art. The band’s approach is not just about confronting pain but also about finding ways to transcend it.
SUTRAS is composed of Tristan Welch and Frederick Ashworth.
Tristan, who plays guitar and handles vocals, has been a key figure in the D.C. experimental and avant-garde scenes. He has volunteered extensively at the renowned non-profit Rhizome and played with the electronic-infused post-rock group REQUIEM, known for their intense and visually captivating live performances.
Frederick, who plays bass and drums, has been a multi-instrumentalist in various bands, most notably the long-standing post-rock group THE ESCAPE ARTIST. He has also created music for film, TV, and meditation.
Their debut EP, “Awakening of the Spirit,” was recorded at Developing Nations Studio in Baltimore with Kevin Bernsten, known for his work with bands like FULL OF HELL and PIANOS BECOME THE TEETH. The album was mastered by James Plotkin, a name synonymous with releases on labels like Hydra Head and Ipecac.
The first track on the EP, “Deathless,” is a powerful exploration of suicide and self-destructive behaviors.
Tristan comments, “It’s about suicide, those we have lost from it. It’s also about the feelings of wanting to die and doing harmful things to ourselves that could lead to death. I wanted to say something in the mood of understanding and compassion.” He further adds, “Loving kindness is the only way forward, and if I believe in reincarnation… we have a chance to learn and grow – nothing ever ends.”
The second track, “A Daily Reprieve,” reflects on the challenges of maintaining a clear mind in the face of capitalist pressures.
The lyrics, ‘I’m so clean that it fucking hurts,’ capture the essence of this struggle.
Tristan elaborates, “The song is about not burying the pain of capitalism with things like drug and alcohol, but it’s also about how fucking hard that is. Even if I stay clear-minded, I still hurt myself and other people. The song is embracing the struggle.”
The band’s debut EP is scheduled for release on August 30th.
“There are always new sounds to imagine, new feelings to get at. And always, there is the need to keep purifying these feelings and sounds so that we can really see what we’ve discovered in its pure state so that we can see more and more clearly what we are. In that way, we can give those who listen to the essence the best of what we are. But to do that at each stage, we have to keep on cleaning the mirror.” John Coltrane, On Meditations
