3 Feet High & Rising: JUST US Re-emerge with Debut Melodic Hardcore Single, “Sick of You” (self-released)

JUST US, L-R: Dave Bayreuther, Andy Mak, and Marc Lacroix (SOURCE: Andy “Chico” Mak)

Uniform Justice were a band from 2002-03. JUST US formed in 2020. 15 years removed from Uniform Justice, JUST US is a quasi-sequel band/reunion showcasing the talents of frontman Andy “Chico” Mak, guitarist/bassist, Dave Bayreuther, and drummer Marc Lacroix. Uniform Justice’s sole release was a self-released 7-song 2003 demo CD, self-released in 2003 entitled Make It Count. It was their only official release and, at the time, a couple other songs were not officially recorded. Mak, Bayreuther & Lacroix have been collectively writing songs together for several years. JUST US’ first officially released single, “Sick of You” (Song IX) was unveiled between Christmas/New Year’s this past holiday season. Mak told The Witzard JUST US is planning on recording several more songs over the next few months. Mak tells us “Sick of You” “is about human apathy, people looking out for themselves, and not demonstrating care and love towards others. Unfortunately, we have seen many of these situations rise up these past several years with more racism, xenophobia, war, and [divisive] opinions.” As a band, JUST US’ members we have all been part of the Montreal Hardcore scene since the late 90’s. In their previous incarnation as a quintet, Uniform Justice released a lone EP, which is now available exclusively on Bandcamp.

Since then, Mak & Bayreuther, have been writing batches of songs off-and-on for the past 15 years, but it was only in the beginning of 2020, where they started to actively write more songs and decided to re-form the band under new name, JUST US. The meaning of the band name, is a play on words from their previous band, Uniform Justice.  However, most importantly, they are focused on writing songs just for themselves, having fun, recording on their own schedule, and trying not to be influenced by others. Mak has been involved within the Montreal Hardcore Punk scene since the mid-90’s. Mak says he’s mostly known for his video documentaries.  In 1999, Mak created a video ‘zine called Bone In The Throat, where he puts together videos and interviews from touring and local bands.  He released five BITT videos on VHS. Mak had been filming shows from 1997-2005.  Several years ago, he started to film again, as well as has uploaded most of his entire video catalog (well over 800) on YouTube. Guitarist Dave Bayreuther and drummer Marc Lacroix, also, have a Rock band called The Coex with songs available on Spotify.  Dave, also, plays in another Montreal Metal Rock band called Human Breed.  As well, Dave played bass on one album, Strength Through Vengeance, for A Perfect Murder, released on Victory Records in 2005. Check out the new JUST US single, “Sick of You,” up above and stay tuned to their Instagram page for updates as the song-making process continues.