Golf Sucks

Three music videos, three singles, an EP, brilliant visual art, and an iconic, unforgettable mashup that brings new life to two classic songs – all achieved independently in just two and a half years as a band. Impressive, right? Now what if I told you that this output of creative work wasn’t even the most memorable part of a very special band who, apparently, really hates golf?

When I sat down to write about Los Angeles band Golf Sucks, I knew a difficult task was at hand. There’s an indescribable feeling (or aura, as the kids are saying nowadays) that the band exudes at every show, something that makes you feel like you’re in exactly the right place at the right time. How do you write about, and try to describe, something that can only be felt as a warm feeling deep inside your bones? I’m not sure if I can, but it’s worth trying – such a feeling is crying out to be shared. So here goes.

The punks of Golf Sucks have been dazzling fans, me included, at live gigs across California since their formation in 2022. The band has experimented with a sound that has carved out an inviting, playful, chaotic, and delightful niche that they alone can fit. While I’ll never be able to put into words what makes this band so unforgettable, their musical talent, joyful presence, vivacious energy, and obvious love for the music they create are keys to the knockout punch they consistently deliver.

My introduction to Golf Sucks came thanks to an LMU Skate Club house show, where my band at the time had an opening slot on their bill. The backyard of a gracious host was filled with college kids, with a tiny makeshift drum riser made of a recycled pallet (that I was terrified of falling off of). After my band’s set, as I ran around packing up my drum kit and thanking kind friends who came to the show, Golf Sucks began to play and stopped me dead in my tracks.

The show they put on that night was nothing short of electrifying, inspiring, and a whole bunch of other adjectives that would still come short of describing how much I (and the rest of the crowd) connected with them. My bandmate and I decided we had to introduce ourselves after the show. Little did we know that we were meeting some of the warmest, loveliest, and most hilarious musicians in the world, and ones that we would call friends for a long time to come.

Now, who exactly is Golf Sucks? A big part of their unique identity is that they can’t seem to decide who their frontman is. Each member of the band takes the spotlight at different points in each song – to their credit, as this works beautifully to bring variety and spontaneity to their music. Sharing the mic are two distinct, complementary voices, Caelum Olsen and Kyle O’Gorman. Each of them seem to be bounding off the walls (or stage) with energy throughout the set. Kyle’s softer, more soulful voice is bolstered by Caelum’s wholehearted belt that makes the music feel full and lively.

On lead guitar is the impressive Cooper Jasiorkowski, a multi-talented artist who is captivating both live and on record. Anyone who watches Cooper become immersed in the music during his solos finds it nearly impossible not to fall right in with him. Composing the rhythm section are bassist Perro Murillo (also of Nuclēaria) and drummer Lucas Sullivan. While these two talented golf haters are new members as of 2024, it’s clear that they have contributed a heavier edge to the band that has since become essential.

The songs that comprise Golf Sucks’ unforgettable set may vary in tempo and volume; however, even in songs that may be recorded softer and slower, the energy never dips down. Songs from their debut EP Humor Me boast elements of indie, folk, rock, and punk that come together in a sound that feels at once fully realized and experimental.

“Vulture” centers around an excellent bassline and loud, angsty vocals that contrast in an unexpected, yet wonderful way from the otherwise upbeat song. “Scream” and “SGH” are catchy, acoustic guitar-forward tracks that any crowd can’t help but sway and bounce along to. Kyle and Caelum’s vocal harmonies really shine here, along with Cooper’s exceptional, melodic solo in “Scream.”

“King 2020,” an anthem reflecting on the hellish but memorable COVID year, is a step in a heavier direction for the band. The main bass/guitar riff with weighty drums drives the song forward relentlessly and culminates in a catchy chorus that is a blast to scream along to. “Cockroach,” the frantic punk track that has become my favorite part of their set, is the epitome of Golf Sucks’ sense of humor and unbridled energy. Although the quality of their music makes it clear that the band takes their craft seriously, “Cockroach” and its hilarious lyrics (“Cockroach, please go away, you know I see you every single day”) shows that Golf Sucks also aims to lighten things up and make you laugh.

Despite the strength of their discography, there is a clear high point in Golf Sucks’ set. The intertwining of two instantly recognizable and beloved riffs captures the attention of anyone who hears them. Mashing Green Day’s “Brain Stew” with The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” is an act of genius, accidentally discovered while noodling at rehearsal, according to Cooper who recounted the story to me after a gig. He laughs as he remembers the realization, “Oh my gosh… They’re the same song!”

The dueling vocals of Kyle’s John Lennon and Caelum’s Billie Joe Armstrong are spot-on; and when combined, they transcend both individual tracks to create an experience that can only be delivered by Golf Sucks. As I watched a crowd of first-timers hear “Lucy Stew” one night at a bar gig downtown, the few who weren’t paying Golf Sucks their full attention turned to them immediately with a wide grin. If there’s one thing you take from my writing today, it’s that you truly must experience the magic of Golf Sucks and their beloved “Lucy Stew” for yourself. - Kerosene Magazine

With the sun setting on Drollinger Family Stage last Friday, recording arts students were hard at work plugging in every cord to the right speaker, sound-checking their practice takes and perfecting sound levels. This year's annual RECA Fest event showcased LMU's finest recording arts acts onstage and behind-the-scenes. The lineup consisted of Golf Sucks, Dayshift and Jehu. Along with the student vendors, the festival consisted of a concert ticket giveaway, courtesy of KXLU, and free live music performed by current students and alumni.

Kyle O’Gorman (’22), a recent LMU graduate and former member of the Loyolan staff, performed with some of his closest childhood friends as Golf Sucks. The members include O’Gorman on the bass and guitar, Caelum Olsen on vocals and guitar, Cooper Jasiorkowski on lead guitar and Sean Doyle on drums. The band came together during the summer of 2022, but the idea had been on O’Gorman’s mind for a while.

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Kyle O'Gorman (‘22) looks to his bandmates for backup during one of their songs.

Photo via Tiffany Brown
“Caelum and I knew that after COVID-19, we wanted to start something up. We have been in different bands together previously. It just felt like time to start something new, so we started working on some acoustic stuff,” said O’Gorman.

Ever since their formation, they have been working on playing at different venues all around California, since one of their members lives in San Jose, California and another in Santa Barbara, California. As a band, they have quite eclectic music tastes. From sea shanties to pop punk, Golf Sucks impressively pays tribute to all of their favorite genres through their music.

“We seriously love all kinds of music. A few of us are heavily influenced by Green Day. We listen to a lot of ‘90s grunge like Korn. Our music is just a weird Frankenstein of all our favorite things,” said O’Gorman.

Given that O’Gorman is a recent graduate, a lot of his friends who are still involved with recording arts were in control of their sound. This provided a sense of comfort and ease for the whole band. The sound level can make or break the show.

“Not only was it the best equipment we have ever played on, but it was so nice to have our friends so involved in the show. Sometimes I get really nervous performing, but because I knew people involved and in the crowd, it just felt like a big jam session,” said O’Gorman.

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The drums, set up by recording arts students, sit on the stage, waiting to be played.

Photo via Tiffany Brown
Jacob Johanson (’22), known by his DJ name Jehu, was responsible for keeping the crowd alive in between the two bands. After the end of the first set, Johanson chose to play “Picture in my mind” by PinkPantheress and Sam Gellaitry to keep the energy high. Playing his own music on campus was truly a full-circle moment for him.

“I used to listen to my music in my dorm in Rains [Hall], and I never thought that I would get to hear the music I love played so loud on the Drollinger Stage,” said Johanson.

With good instincts for crowd control and a love for global beats, Johanson has only been a DJ for the past few years.

“I have always been super inspired by music. I used to watch DJs in high school, and that is what made me want to move to LA, but I never really got the chance to take it seriously until the [COVID-19] pandemic hit. Then I was able to gain the skills and build a library of music,” said Johanson.

Johanson did more than just DJ at Recafest; he also had the role of playing the synth bass with Dayshift. This was an experience unlike any other for Johanson — he was a piece to their puzzle that they didn’t even have before.

“I was good with just being a DJ for the event to keep the vibe going, but playing with Dayshift was such an exciting moment. I had so much fun. I would take a few looks at everyone else playing their instruments and everyone was just jamming. It felt so comfortable up on stage. We were all just having a good time,” said Johanson.

This year's RECA Fest would not have happened without the talented performers that lit up Drollinger Family Stage. Students and alumni in the crowd were clearly enjoying the show, but for everyone else that graced the stage, it was a learning and memorable experience. - The Los Angeles Loyolan