Los Angeles-based indie rock band CLSTL are quickly carving out a space that feels both atmospheric and urgent. Formed in 2023, the four-piece blends shimmering new wave textures with the bite of post-punk, creating songs that feel expansive without losing their emotional center. At the heart of the band are John Beach, Neal Lapolla, Flo Mavridorakis, Francesco Staccioli and Warren Pettey, each bringing years of experience that shape the band’s dynamic, layered sound.
While their 2025 debut album HOPE introduced listeners to their reflective and uplifting ethos, their standalone single, “Distance,” sharpens that vision even further.
Built on swirling synth lines, driving guitar work, and deeply personal lyricism, “Distance” dives into the internal battles many people quietly face. The track navigates feelings of isolation, fear, and mental strain, capturing the sensation of standing on the brink, unsure whether to retreat or push forward. Yet instead of staying in darkness, the song gradually opens into acceptance. It’s less about escaping struggle and more about learning to sit with it, to find steadiness within the noise.
That emotional balance has become central to CLSTL’s identity. Their music doesn’t shy away from vulnerability, but it never feels weighed down by it. There’s movement in their sound, momentum that mirrors growth. “Distance” feels like a defining step in that evolution, showcasing a band becoming more confident in both their sonic direction and their message.
Beyond the studio, CLSTL’s presence continues to grow across Los Angeles stages, with performances at venues like The Virgil, Molly Malone’s, and The Hotel Café. Their live shows translate the immersive quality of their recordings into something immediate and electric.
With “Distance,” CLSTL reaffirm their mission: to create music for those navigating change and uncertainty. It’s a reminder that even when you feel far from yourself, you’re not alone in the journey.
