Benzene is a three-piece melodic skate-punk band taking cues from many other 90's punk bands but often emphasizing a little more of their jazz influence.

They formed in 2001 in Korea and released a Six-Track EP along with tracks on two other compilations, then in late 2004 a traffic accident caused the drummer to quit and the band fell apart.

Despite his band leaving him, Ben (singer/guitarist) dug in to finish their first album. After releasing the Old Shoes album, Ben struggled, yet kept the band alive. Although there were some members changed throughout 2006-07, Benzene was able to release one split album and a single EP (Give Me “Straight”).

In 2008, Ben moved to Los Angeles and luckily met current bass player Neil Wayne and drummer Jeff Houser. Neil is a So-Cal Native who moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. With great ambition, Neil joined Benzene in early 2009, just a few months before Ben met drummer Jeff Houser while surfing Redondo Beach. Jeff instantly became a vital and crucial member thus unifying the trio perfectly.

Quickly after reforming the band in the US, Benzene hit the bars and clubs playing anywhere and everywhere they could. Already playing larger venues like The Brixton, and playing with punk legend’s like Guttermouth and The Briggs, Benzene has started to build its reputation among the Punk Rock community in the So-Cal area.

In 2010 the band released their first EP together titled “June 15th” which is a strong testament to their punk rock roots. With new songs constantly on the way and more inspiration than ever, Benzene is definitely in it for the long haul, proving they can battle through the hardships and will always be eager to take the next step.

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