SpliffRiff - Lagadelic
By: Reid Kotiranta
Photos: Cayden Williams
Spliffriff’s woozy, shanky, hardcore grunge channels the laid-back chaos of surf-town afternoons and couples it with an unmistakable sound of punching guitars, sneering drums, and soul-baring vocals rooted in the DIY ethos of Southern California’s underground scene. Coming from the coastal haze of Laguna Beach, Spliffriff’s music doesn't politely knock; it kicks the door in. Vocalist/bassist Jake Caliger, guitarist/ screamer Nate Madigan, and drummer Dante Madrigal trio the band. Jake and Nate met while working as lifeguards. The two expressed their affinity for playing music and soon started jamming out together. Later they would bring on Dante to be their drummer and Jake celebrates their sounds, saying “it’s gnarly when you get three really passionate people in a room you know? It's like such good energy and good motivation behind everything.” There’s something inherently unpolished, yet captivating, about the way Spliff moves. With standout singles like “Crumbs” and “Culprit,” the band leans into distortion-heavy guitar work, propulsive rhythm sections, and lyrics that oscillate between irreverence and introspection.
There’s an intentional roughness to their production—an aesthetic choice that reinforces their authenticity rather than undermining it. “Our music is streamlined” says Nate, “we still get tunnel vision in writing, but it's been recently where we get a riff then get another part of the song, I think it's more raw that way.” The band has played on several different stages: from 300 yard frat venues that got rolled after just two songs to The Observatory Santa Ana. However, their rise through the local scene has culminated in a major milestone: headlining the upcoming Lagadelic Festival. The band’s self-styled event, now in its second iteration, has quickly become a nucleus for the surf-punk and garage rock community in Southern California. As the marquee act, Spliffriff will bring their explosive live show to center stage, further solidifying their status as a leading force in the new wave of underground rock. I had the pleasure of attending the event myself, along with the YÜTH team, and from beginning to end—crowd or not—every band on the lineup made their presence felt. To say Spliffriff took a risk in putting on Lagadelic would be an understatement. Organizing and headlining a grassroots festival in a scene that can be both unpredictable and unforgiving was a bold move, but one that paid off. Against all odds, they sold over 400+ tickets and transformed the venue into something unforgettable. As a lifelong rock fan, I’ve been to countless shows, but this was something else entirely. Bodies flew. Boogie boards surfed across a sea of screaming onlookers.
-
Elbows collided in the pit while fathers held babies on their shoulders—one baby even made it on stage. It was raw, unfiltered chaos in the best way possible. Lagadelic didn’t just showcase music—it created a moment. One of those rare nights where everything clicks and you remember why rock and roll still matters.
What sets Spliffriff apart is their commitment to an unfiltered musical experience. Their sound is not overly produced or stylized—it’s instinctive, urgent, and reflective of a band that thrives in the moment. Their stage presence reflects the same spirit: visceral, commanding, and unapologetically loud. Outside of the music, the three ditch the amps, guitars, and mics for surf, snow, and skate. Their most recent single “Where Is What Now” came about randomly and was produced rather quickly, but is one the band tells Yüth they’re “super proud of.” They go on to say “Our songs have a certain vibe that fits a certain time and place where you play it right.” Spliffriff started as three friends jamming out having a good time. Over the course of that time, their fun has bloomed into belief. Belief that this could grow to greater heights relieved of any pressure or conviction. For Spliffriff, evolution is inevitable. As Dante puts it, “time and life changes you and changes the sound.” It’s a sentiment that speaks not only to their musical growth, but to their willingness to adapt, experiment, and let their art reflect the messiness of real life. It’s this honesty—equal parts bruised and bold—that continues to resonate.In an era dominated by algorithmic precision and digital gloss, Spliffriff offers a refreshing alternative: a rock band that embraces imperfection, champions authenticity, and delivers a sound that is as volatile as it is captivating. With the Lagadelic stage set to spotlight their unique sonic chaos, Spliffriff stands ready to make their loudest statement yet.
-Reid Kotiranta
-Photos: Cayden Williams
