Cursing at Harvard & Stone – Live Review

Cursing — Harvard & Stone, Hollywood, CA — February 15, 2026

The day after Valentine’s Day, the spirit of celebration was still alive in the wilds of LaLa Land, and the gift of live music continued to flourish. One of the most consistently exciting places to catch a rising band these days is Harvard & Stone, the effortlessly cool, vintage‑industrial bar tucked just off Hollywood Blvd near Western Avenue. The venue’s intimate layout practically guarantees you’ll witness a group on the brink of something bigger, and on this particular night, Cursing proved exactly why they’re a band to watch.

Formerly known as Mux, Cursing arrived ready to showcase the shimmering soundscapes of their newly released Chiral EP. The room was packed, the energy was high, and the trio wasted no time pulling the crowd into their orbit. They opened with the stunning “Secrets,” immediately setting the tone, before diving headfirst into the bold, spiraling rush of “Dinosaurs.”

From the first notes, it was impossible not to be drawn to the magnetic presence of vocalist Max Biebuyck. His delivery carried a rare combination of conviction and vulnerability, each lyric landing with intention. Guitarist Skylar Leon crafted expansive, imaginative textures that filled the room with color, while drummer Elijah Stavely anchored everything with sharp precision and a rhythmic confidence that elevated each song. Together, the three operate like a single organism—tight, expressive, and fully in command of their sound.

With Chiral freshly unveiled, the night doubled as a celebration of the band’s evolution. Tracks like “In Effect,” “City Limits,” and “High Road” pulsed through the venue, each one expanding in scale when translated to the stage. The EP captures a band on the verge of a breakthrough, but hearing these songs live made it clear that Cursing’s momentum is only accelerating. If they continue delivering performances with this level of passion and polish, they’ll be stepping onto much larger stages sooner rather than later.

For now, though, there’s something special about catching them in a room as intimate as Harvard & Stone—where every note feels close enough to touch. The time to experience Cursing’s vibrant, emotionally charged world is right now. They’ll be returning to Harvard & Stone on March 14th, and anyone curious about the next wave of alternative pop‑rock would be wise to witness what this remarkable trio is building.

Watch for an interview with Max and Skylar of Cursing, coming soon to Highwire Daze Online!

Review by Ken Morton – Photos by Scott Waters

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