San Diego’s own Guys on the Hill just dropped their new album, Somewhere in San Diego, and let me tell you, this one hits hard. Packed with 15 tracks that blend aggressive, melodic skatepunk with a technical mastery that’ll have you headbanging. If you’re a fan of classic skatepunk vibes mixed with something fresh, you’re in for a treat.
The album is everything you’d expect from a group with strong influences from legends like Agent Orange and Bad Religion. But it’s not just about the influences—it’s about how they make it their own. The production is tight, crisp, and so clean, it’s like they’ve captured lightning in a bottle. The sound is undeniably technical, but also super accessible for anyone who loves punk rock, especially the melodic stuff that sticks with you long after the tracks are over.
What makes Somewhere in San Diego even more special is that it’s dedicated to the memory of Brandon Charles Lounsbury (aka “Loons”), whose spirit and influence clearly shine through in the music.
Tracks like “Dying on the Vine” are the perfect blend of self-reflection and raw emotion, with lyrics that capture the frustration of being stuck in a cycle but still pushing forward. “When the other shoe drops, that’s when you know your time is over. After the light is dimming, and fortunes fade like mirages on a desert crawl…”—it’s got that kind of power behind it.
“Don’t Bother”, a track with sharp commentary about the facades we put up to mask the truth. The imagery of “It’s a beautiful beach, but I wouldn’t go swimming in the water” really hits home when you think about how people often put on a front while the undercurrent of reality is anything but pretty.
And “Dear Ambitionless”, where they tap into that all-too-familiar feeling of being stuck in a rut and needing to break free. “No more tricks hiding up that sleeve. You have an opportunity now to breathe”—it’s like a wake-up call to anyone who feels trapped in their own routine.
If you’re craving some killer covers, the band didn’t disappoint, offering up three tracks from TSOL, Agent Orange, and Alcohol Funnycar. They manage to stay true to the originals while adding their unique stamp on each one, making them sound fresh and exciting.
Recorded at FM Studios and Bevin Lane Studios in El Cajon, CA, the album has a pristine, polished finish. The mixing and mastering by Casey Lewis at Echo Base Studio in Alberta, Canada, ensure that every track sounds tight without losing that melodic punk energy. Whether it’s the fast, intense riffs or the melodic breakdowns, everything blends seamlessly.
Somewhere in San Diego it’s aggressive, it’s melodic, it’s technical, and it’s real. It’s for fans who appreciate a well-executed punk rock record with depth and meaning. If you’re into bands that wear their heart on their sleeve while kicking ass musically, Guys on the Hill nailed it here.
Give it a listen, and enjoy it!
Guys on the Hill members:
Todd Dulawan – lead vox guitar
Geoff Dulawan – Drums lead vox
Guys on the Hill Social Media:
Punk Rock Mag 
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