Cape Crush

Drawing influences from bands like The Get Up Kids and Jimmy Eat World and featuring members of Boston bands such as Choke Up, The Effort, TRAGWAG, and Lessener, the north shore’s Cape Crush consists of principal songwriter Ali Lipman on vocals, James Christopher on guitar, Jake Letizia on bass, and Mike O'Toole on drums. They played their first show in August of 2022 and released their six song EP San Souci in the spring of 2023. Touting a power-emo sound that is anthemic, dynamic, and raw, Cape Crush’s songs come to life after Lipman crafts the song structures on acoustic guitar. Guitarist Christopher then arranges each track, layering in electric guitar harmonies and rhythms. Finally, Letizia and O'Toole bring their own bass and drum parts to the table. Blending high octane choruses with introspective moments, Cape Crush proudly boasts a DIY aesthetic and bursts with rich harmony, layered instrumentation, and inwardly focused lyricism. Cape Crush has opened for the likes of emo legends Samiam. After playing at FEST 22 in Gainesville and opening for Piebald at their 30th anniversary holiday show in December of 2024, Rico announced his departure from the band for health reasons. Shortly after this, Cape Crush released a 3-way split titled Good Dogs Wear Capes featuring Good June and Impossible Dog followed by a single, "Blank Wall," in August of 2025. Cape Crush is releasing their debut LP, "Place Memory," on 5/1/2026 via Wanna Hear it Records.