When the Engineer Is Sincere, Do They Become a Sincere Engineer?

Hmmm... Only time will tell. Maybe it's the glory they newly found?

Aug 25, 2024

This Is My Grand Introduction

Imagine it’s July of 2023 and you’re going to Sad Summer Fest at Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston. You’ve just scanned you and your friends’ tickets to get in and upon stepping your first foot into the venue, you hear “Can we move into together, can we get a California king?” blasting from the stage behind all the clothing vendor booths. That’s exactly what happened to me— hearing California King by Sincere Engineer for the first time in my life as I sat down to watch Sincere Engineer perform. I’m not sure how to feel about LBP being a seated venue for an event like this, but low-key, this event changed everything for me.

Sincere Engineer was my first introduction into what DIY truly meant. I was a big fan of Left on Read from the PDX scene, but I had no clue whatsoever what DIY meant at the time. This was a long while ago, back in March of 2023 if I really had to put a date on it. After just the few songs I managed to catch before Stand Atlantic’s set, I became such a huge fan of Sincere Engineer. Each song performed that afternoon really spoke something to me. I ran into Deanna Belos, the lead singer of Sincere Engineer, while she was running the merch stand. Being able to talk to someone so sat-back and overall just super chill was such an amazing experience. I don’t think I’ve interacted with a band member so easily before… I felt like I knew Belos the moment I struck up a conversation about how cute the merch designs were.

I then joined the Sincere Engineer Discord server since it was posted on the merch stand. I didn’t know that stepping foot into that server would have even brought me to what I do today, thanks to

Kyle Holtzman

. He introduced me to the DIY scene in my town and it only continued from there. I pretended to know what DIY was, but we’re gonna pretend like that didn’t happen… Shhh… Kyle, sorry I was a poser for a few months…

Sincere Engineer, the project spearheaded by Chicago’s Deanna Belos, has become a standout act in the evolving landscape of modern punk. Blending the intensity of pop-punk with the emotional weight of emo and the narrative-driven style of folk, Sincere Engineer’s music recalls the raw energy of scene stalwarts like Lawrence Arms and Direct Hit!, while also embracing the introspective songwriting of artists like Hop Along and Waxahatchee. Since their debut in 2017 with Rhombithian, the band has straddled the line between grit and melody, staying true to their DIY roots even as their sound has grown more polished over time.

Belos first made her mark in Chicago’s underground folk-punk circuit, performing several solo acoustic shows that showcased her sharp lyricism and disarming vulnerability. It was in 2016, after catching the attention of Red Scare Industries— one of Chicago’s most influential punk labels— that she began to broaden her sound. Teaming up with producer Matt Jordan, known for his work with You Blew It! and Signals Midwest, Belos added a full band to her stripped-down folk-punk approach. Containing Deanna Belos on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Kyle Geib on lead guitar, Nick Arvanitis on bass and backup vocals, and Adam Beck on drums and backup vocals, the result was Rhombithian, an album that delivered a flurry of punchy, heartfelt tracks filled with the restless energy of punk, but tempered with a storyteller’s sensibility. Released in October 2017, Rhombithian resonated with listeners looking for both sonic aggression and lyrical introspection, immediately establishing Sincere Engineer as a force to be reckoned with.

By the time Bless My Psyche arrived in 2021, Sincere Engineer had inked a deal with Hopeless Records and evolved into a more confident band. The sophomore effort retained the emotional grit of its predecessor but expanded on it with bigger hooks, tighter production, and a more varied sonic palette. Tracks like Trust Me and Tourniquet showcase a knack for writing anthems that hit hard moth musically and emotionally, cementing Belos’ place as a voice that could cut through the noise of modern punk while staying deeply personal.

Most recently, 2023’s Cheap Grills saw Sincere Engineer refining their sound even further. With a nostalgic nod to the early 2000s pop-punk wave, the album felt like a natural progression, combining the unvarnished honesty of their earlier work with more polished, accessible melodies. Through it all, Belos has remained grounded, her music rooted in the same passion and authenticity that first caught listeners’ attention- balancing a DIY ethos with a sound that continues to evolve, making Sincere Engineer one of the most compelling acts to watch in today’s punk scene.

You should’ve seen my face upon opening my Discord to a friend request from the Sincere Engineer herself… Holy smokes? I felt so nervous. What could Discord username ‘sincereengineer’ possibly need to friend request me for? Did I do an oopsie daisy? Did I maybe spark an interest of Belos’ that she felt intrigued to message me about? That was exactly what it was.

Above My Head I’m Seeing Stars Again

I love Roadrunner. It’s one of my favourite venues in Boston— never did I think I’d be shooting here alone. Seeing some of my favourite artists here like Microwave, The Front Bottoms, Slaughter Beach, Dog, Bonny Doon, and many more to name but will not be listed for the sake of your sanity, I could only dream of shooting for an artist at this venue. I’ve had so many awesome opportunities come through in the DIY scene in Boston; I never thought I’d see a very profound artist of the Chicago scene play such a big venue. Yeah, Sad Summer Fest seemed huge for the bands I saw since it was my first outdoor music festival… But knowing how quickly Roadrunner fills up capacity wise, I was honestly shocked to hear Sincere Engineer would be sharing the stage with New Found Glory.

Gosh. I’m looking back at all of Friday night and I truly can’t believe that show was real. I remember standing by the photo pit thinking about how I’ve always dreamed to be in that pit and then was my time… It felt so amazing to be there, truly. By the time 19:30 hit, Sincere Engineer was not late in their attendance. The lights dimmed and the crowd started to cheer- me included, but of course, very silently… Had to keep it professional… somewhat… I was super excited to see what Sincere Engineer would open with.

I Shouda Saw It Coming

Hearing a throwback to their sophomore album, Bless My Psyche, had me a little shocked. Coming In Last reflects on the frustrations of feeling stuck in life— both physically and emotionally. This song brings the feeling of falling short, no matter how much effort is put in. Coming In Last perfectly captures the raw, tired feeling, where everything seems to go wrong and the world is moving faster than you can keep up. Even though the song may depict just being stuck in traffic, the vivid thought of turning to a partner and wanting to get away from this feeling is very clear in this song. I don’t think I’ve ever realised how much of a perfect opener Coming In Last truly is. I always loved the studio version of this song, like, a lot. This was one of the first songs I ever listened to off of Bless My Psyche, too, if we’re not counting Trust Me. I threw that album on shuffle and chopped away at some random art project and immediately fell in love. There’s something about this song that is just so… wow. Hearing the beginning guitar riff to Coming In Last literally sent chills down my spine. This song is composed so well! The chorus is super catchy and goodness has it been stuck in my head since I heard it in person…

Guys, I cannot believe Deanna played Anemia while I was taking pictures. This is my all time favourite song off of their most recent release, Cheap Grills. How dare she do that to me?! Jokes aside, I absolutely did not want to miss out on vibing to this song in person so, of course, I sang along while taking pictures. Deanna’s voice is so unique in this song, the studio version doesn’t make up for how insane it is in person.

Anemia for sure digs beep into emotional exhaustion. Using anemia as a metaphor for feeling drained, the song captures the struggle of living with depression, battling self-doubt, and trying to meet expectations that seem impossible. Anemia’s lyrics reflect a sense of emptiness, where you’re just going through the motions— feeling disconnected from the world around you. It’s like the fight to find meaning when you’re running on those empty every-day feels.

If you’re looking for a band with authentic talents and one who keeps true to themselves, Sincere Engineer is for sure on of them. The drums, the guitars… It’s almost like they all ascended from some sort of god and just knew what was up. I really enjoy Kyle Geib’s parts in each song, the lead guitar goes so crazy— especially in Anemia. Like I said, the studio version does not make up for their live performance of this song whatsoever and is a must see.

Transitioning from Dragged Across the Finish Line into Corn Dog Sonnet No. 7, I was frantically switching my lenses to get crowd shots. Corn Dog Sonnet No. 7 was one of their quicker paced songs to hear in person and was for sure a mood setter. I used to think this song was a silly piece of art that I would occasionally reference, but after hearing it in person, oh man… Sincere Engineer demonstrates a knack of mixing humour with deep introspection. These little contrasts in the fun of corn dogs with the serious nature of a sonnet set up a deeper exploration of feeling lost and caught in cycles of doubt. Beneath the surface of Corn Dog Sonnet No. 7, the song reflects on the tension between seeking meaning in life’s absurdities and dealing with personal insecurities. It’s an amazing blend of wit and vulnerability. I see why people showed up in a corndog suit or carry the corndogs around at shows, now. It’s truly a remarkable song and resembles much of Sincere Engineer as a whole.

Imagine 1K Rats… Heck, imagine 1,001 rats. But are they in your Old Coat Pocket? These two songs back to back was craaaazy. Both songs have wonderful lyrics and are super upbeat, yet relatable. Old Coat Pocket got me feelin’ it, man. I stood in that crowd while Belos sang “I burnt the bridge of the last friend who gave a shit, I burnt the bridge of the last friend who'd talk me off a ledge. I learned the hard way how it ends cause of everything I did; Choking on the past, while you're still living in it.” and just went “damn”. The narrative language in this song touches my heart ‘cuz like… who writes more relatable shit? I can for sure see how this song captures the bittersweet feelings of looking back, reflecting on how memories can both soothe and remind us of changes over time. When these types of things resurface, they bring so many mixes of comfort and melancholy. It highlights the longing for what everything once was. Old Coat Pocket takes this deep dive into nostalgia and personal history in such an amazing way.

Can we move in together, can we get a California King… I had a crown made specifically for this song but lost it on the train… Oops! Being able to hear the first Sincere Engineer song I’ve ever listened to in person for a second time was actually nuts. I promise you Belos does not plan on leaving Chicago… This song is more about emotional distance that can exist in relationships. Using a California king-sized bed as a metaphor, this song contrasts the bed’s physical spaciousness with the emotional space growing between the narrator and their partner.

I think California king beds are super comfy… but this song also underscores a sense of loneliness and disconnection. I think some of these lyrics reflect on how being close in proximity doesn’t always equate to emotional closeness. I really believe California King highlights the gap that can develop, even when you’re physically near someone.

My favourite part of this song will always be the “The sun shining through the window on this Sunday afternoon. The sun spots on your shoulders were just dancing with the moon! Our broken crowns hit the pillow. I wanna move in with you, somewhere to get older where we can dance under the moon.” verse. It was super groovy on the studio release and even better in person. California King will always have my heart. It’s always a fun song to dance to and will forever remain that way!

Fireplace, Overbite, and Library of Broken Bindings were all crazy, too. Gosh, I have so much I can say about each and every one of these songs… Sincere Engineer is truly a talented four piece band and deserves so much more recognition.

Library of Broken Bindings is not a song I can heavily relate to, but this song stood out from their entire set. This song seems to delve into feelings of isolation and longing. The imagery of a sunken ship and tired sailor conveys a deep sense of emotional drift and loneliness. The narrator deals with an intense feeling of homesickness. Dramamine is no longer effective on the narrator. Despite trying to understand the unresolved feelings and fragmented memories, the narrator struggles to find answers.

The opening of this song in person sounded so mystical and peaceful- then BAM. Belos starts going HAM on those lyrics. I looove the drums on this song in particular. Feeling the drums shake the floor during this song was so awesome and so worthy of my feet startin’ to hurt. I really hope they play this song more on their next tour. It’s one of a kind and I don’t think there’s a better song on this tour’s setlist!

Before I got in the photo pit waiting for 19:30 to hit, I was talking to another photographer and a security guard about Trust Me. The security guard was excited to hear Trust Me as he heard it off of TikTok. I had no clue Sincere Engineer was popping off on TikTok, so this was a surprise for me! I mean, my entire for you page is either Reddit stories or movie clips, no in between… The photographer hadn’t listened to Sincere Engineer before. We had a good laugh saying the lyrics were “I need help” and “I’m laying face down in the street for the second time this week”. The photographer looked a liiiittle concerned, so, sorry if we scared you… I love the lyrics to this song, though, because in all honesty, me too. Trust Me was their closing song for the night.

Trust Me offers a clear look at self-doubt and ongoing failure. The lyrics highlight the narrator’s desperate for search for relief from their struggles. Their repeated cries for help and moments of self-reflection show someone grappling with their own limits and trying to navigate their way out of personal challenges.

It was so amazing to see Sincere Engineer perform once again. I had such a great time taking pictures of the band and being able to hear all of this music was awesome. Sincere Engineer will forever be a band I can go back to and never get bored of.

Deanna Belos, Adam Beck, and Nick Arvanitis of Sincere Engineer

Now That It's Over, I Did What I Was Told I Had to Do

See, I had no clue my pass also let me shoot for New Found Glory. I was sooooo shocked hearing this information… I took that opportunity right up as soon as Sincere Engineer’s set ended. I grabbed myself a ginger ale and headed downstairs from the guest room and went to go talk with other photographers.

New Found Glory is hitting the road to celebrate a major milestone: the 20th anniversary of Catalyst, the album that catapulted them into mainstream success and helped shape the sound of early 2000s pop punk. Formed back in 1997 in Coral Springs, Florida, the band- made up for Jordan Pundik on vocals, Ian Grushka on bass, Chad Gilbert on guitar, and Cyrus Bolooki on drums, have spent over two decades proving that pop punk isn’t just a phase. Even with longtime guitarist and lyricist Steve Klein leaving in 2013, their drive hasn’t slowed down.

Catalyst was a turning point for the band in 2004. It followed the success of Sticks and Stones and brought a more refined sound to their punk roots, mixing in some heavier elements while still cranking out the catchy, anthemic tunes they’re known for. It was the era of All Downhill From Here, the infectious single that helped the band score a VMA nomination for Breakthrough Video of the Year. And now, two decades later, New Found Glory is honouring that moment in their career with a celebratory tour that’s bound to bring the nostalgia.

But this tour isn’t just a look back- it’s a testament to how New Found Glory has managed to stay relevant in a genre that has seen plenty of trends come and go. They’ve always been a cornerstone of the pop punk scene, emerging in the late ‘90s alongside bands like Blink-182 and Good Charlotte. What set them apart was their unique blend of pop-punk hooks with hardcore intensity, a mix that would eventually influence the rise of easycore. While some acts faded with time, New Found Glory kept things fresh without abandoning the sound that made fans fall in love with them in the first place.

For fans, this tour is more than just a chance to hear Catalyst in full live- it’s a celebration of a band that’s become synonymous with pop punk. From their scrappy 1999 debut Nothing Gold Can Stay to their most recent album Forever + Ever x Infinity, New Found Glory has consistently delivered high-energetic music that speaks to the heart. Whether it’s their breakout track My Friends Over You or the deeper cuts from Catalyst, their live shows never fail to bring a sense of community and nostalgia.

Two decades after Catalyst first hit the airwaves, the songs still resonate, reminding us why New Found Glory is so often called the “godfathers of pop punk.” This anniversary tour isn’t just a tribute to their past- it’s proof that they’re still very much a force in today’s music scene. For old-school fans and newcomers alike, these shows will feel like a celebration of everything that makes pop punk such a beloved genre, and New Found Glory the legends they are.

Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka, and Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory

New Found Glory for sure knocked my socks off the moment they began performing. I was really shocked to see such an upbeat band perform wonders Friday night. Opening up with Intro from their Catalyst album, I could already tell this was gonna be one hell of a show. New Found Glory knows they’ve still got it! This song really showed me what was up next for the next hour and a half.

All Downhill From Here seemed to be the most recognisable from the crowd. This single really captured the essence of New Found Glory. This song really shows the band’s ability to create upbeat and catchy melodies to themes of disappointment and frustration. These lyrics really sat with me after the show. Hearing the lyrics to a song about coming to terms with the fallout of a situation that’s spiralled beyond control was so touching to me, I didn’t expect to relate to these guys at all. But guess what, I did! The infectious pop-punk hooks against deeply relatable narratives of frustration and disillusionment is honestly so insane— New Found Glory for sure bottled the feeling of wanting to scream out loud into this song. Their ways of music is super unmatched. I’d be impressed if I could write something so similar!

In This Disaster, New Found Glory unleashed a high-octane torrent of raw emotion. It immersed the audience in the unstable aftermath of a relationship’s collapse. This song signals a scenario beyond saving, and the band followed through with a barrage of intense guitar riffs and an unrelenting, rapid-fire tempo. There’s for sure weight to this song’s lyrics; an admission of fault and the frustration that nothing can be done to save what’s already been lost. This Disaster was just so… eye widening, man. “And don't deny you're talking behind my back to your friends, and don't deny one day you'll need me.” I had to put my camera down for a second to just be like… bro. I don’t know why I didn’t find these guys sooner.

After this point, the rest of Catalyst was just me vibing to their music. I was too into their performance to really concentrate on what was going. From Doubt Full to At Least I’m Known for Something, I had so much fun seeing such emotionally connected music be presented in a powerful and energetic way. I really dig this type of music. It was such an amazing time being next to people who were so involved with their music, talking to me about how they’ve been listening to the band since this album released. It made me feel hella young, but to be able to connect with complete strangers over something that’s been with them a majority of their life was so sweet. The crowd for this show was like heaven on earth. Everyone was super kind and just a whole different vibe than my every day life.

I think I came back to reality when New Found Glory began performing a Let It Go cover… Yes… the one from Frozen. This was probably my personal highlight of the night. New Found Glory had put on a mad good show for that song and I’ve gotta say, it’s one of my favourite covers now. It goes pretty crazy, I’m not gonna lie. That bit was hilarious and I don’t think I’ve sung my heart out to a Disney song before…

I’ll Just Be Here Until You Say Goodbye

Holy crap… Friday was astronomical. Shooting at Roadrunner was amazing and both bands performed hella great. I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to come out and write about this show. It’s so crazy to think I’ve come so far since October last year— It’s not even a full year since I started this gig. Being able to photograph live music and share my experience with other people is such an awesome experience and I really hope I can continue to do this for the rest of my life.

You can stream New Found Glory and Sincere Engineer’s music on Spotify, Bandcamp, and Apple Music. Click the links below to check them out!