unpolished*: “Collateral Damage” — A Fierce New Anthem from LA’s Rising Rock Powerhouse

Los Angeles has always had a reputation for producing unapologetic rock bands, and unpolished* are the latest to rise from its scene with a raw, fearless sound. The all-girl rock band has been turning heads since their debut in April 2024, and their latest single “Collateral Damage” proves they mean business.

unpolished* began when vocalist Mary Bugbee and guitarist Celinda Chang met by chance at a local show. The two quickly bonded over their shared love of music and started writing together. When an opportunity to perform live came up, they brought in drummer Jasmine Day, wrote a few songs, and hit the stage. That first show marked the beginning of unpolished*, a name that captures their honest, unfiltered approach to music. Not long after, bassist “Santos” Stephanie De Santos joined, completing the line-up.

Their sound lands somewhere between alternative rock, punk, pop punk, hard rock, and grunge, blending melody with grit and attitude. Their debut EP, “I PLEAD INSANITY” (released in March 2025), made an immediate impact, leaving fans and critics asking, “Who the f*ck is unpolished*?” Since then, the band have been on the road, playing shows across Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado, earning new fans with every performance.

The new single “Collateral Damage” is a metal-edged punk rock track packed with energy and emotion. It’s a song that takes aim at arrogance and ego, powered by fierce riffs, pounding drums, and Mary Bugbee’s fiery vocals. As the band put it, “Sick of people who think they’re all that? Us too. But they ought to watch themselves before they end up as collateral damage.”

Fans of Dead Sara, The Pretty Reckless, and Halestorm will find a lot to love in unpolished*’s sound, but the band have carved out something uniquely their own. Their songs are passionate, their chemistry is undeniable, and their live shows are full of energy and intent.

Their goal is simple: world domination.

And if “Collateral Damage” is any indication, unpolished* are well on their way.