Blending modern hardcore with atmospheric tension, incisive lyricism, and a healthy dose of tom-foolery, illFRAME is a rising four-piece band out of Fort Collins, Colorado. Formed in 2023 by brothers Cooper, Rex, and Finn Stowers, the group became known for their aggressive yet intricate sound, combining the intensity of hardcore with elements of punk, old school hip hop, and alternative. Soon after, drummer Jorge Coronel joined the project, finalizing the band’s current lineup. The band released their debut EP, “Otis”, in February of 2025 and have new music on the way!

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303 Magazine: New Colorado Music You Should Know — April Edition

by James Lane

illFRAME is a Fort Collins-based band pushing their way into Colorado’s heavier scenes with a raw, tightly wound debut EP, “Otis.” Across six tracks, the band flirts with chaos that’s combining hardcore urgency, alternative grit, and the occasional punk detour. It’s a project that doesn’t waste time on pleasantries. The opener “Intro” hits like a starter pistol, and “Rather Die!” follows with pointed, politically tinged aggression. The band’s sound leans toward the unpolished and volatile, with tracks like “Nihil” and “Bring Me Down” channeling a kind of frenzied, restless energy that feels like it would be played in tightly packed basements or DIY venues. “Red Sunset,” the EP’s closer, breaks form slightly with a sample intro and a switch in vocalists, hinting at range that makes it unpredictable and exciting. Only two years in, the band is still early in its run, but their debut shows a clear sense of intent to throw elbows at everything in their way. illFRAME joins the 2025 lineup of FoCoMX this month, bringing their explosive live set, be sure to check them out.

KCSU: Surfside 7 Attendees gather in 70s attire to celebrate newest release by The Crooked Rugs

By Riley Hilbert

Last Friday, Surfside 7 celebrated the Fort Collins scene’s newest release “Hear & Now” by The Crooked Rugs. The well-loved Fort Collins bar was packed to the brim with an audience dressed to impress in their best 70s attire. Attendees danced the night away with sets from three local bands, illFRAME, King Crawdad, and The Crooked Rugs.

Local band illFRAME kicked the night off, with their set citing inspiration from early hip hop & pop-punk pioneers. The four-piece consists of the Stowers- brother trio, Finn, Rex & Cooper fronting the band, backed by drummer Jorge Coronel. The trio of brothers lining the stage created an unbeatable dynamic that was both cohesive and fun to watch for the audience. Lead singer Cooper Stowers complemented most songs in their set by playing samples, and towards the end of the set, added turntable scratching. In true Beastie Boys fashion, illFRAME did not fail to captivate listeners.