It’s that time again! As the days get shorter and the nights longer, punk pick me ups are needed, and we’ve got a shortlist for you here!
The Mizzerables- ‘Sad Face‘
This week’s first pick is the definition of ‘right up my street’, with the new track by Chicago trio The Mizzerables. ‘Sad Face‘ has a poignant meaning set to a bouncing melody, the track speaks of serious topics such as addiction and suicidal thoughts. Frontman Joe Mizzi says of the track: “It’s a reflection on the battles faced by myself and by those close to me—especially women in my life who have suffered and been lost to these struggles. It captures the haunting, cyclical nature of feeling trapped in your own design and searching for a way out.” It’s a catchy, Dookie-era pop punk jangle with a hearty nod to 60s surf rock- think ‘Pulling Teeth‘ performed by the Beach Boys. After 11 years together, the band have more new singles coming soon, documenting some difficult times experienced by Mizzi. Stream the track HERE.
The Boy Detective- ‘For the Record, I’m Not a Cannibal Anymore‘.
I mean, who hasn’t had to put that particular record straight at some point in their life? With a song title like that, you’ve gotta give the song a listen and the track itself does not disappoint. It’s a great rocksteady duet, which gradually increases in tempo and complexity, until it lets loose for a finale. An atmospheric track, it is the perfect soundtrack to the spooky season. Featuring Joe Navarro of Suicide Machines, the track is about reclaiming what you love, even after painful memories threaten to taint it—whether it’s music, a movie, or a tattoo. The song is being released as part of a split 7 inch alongside NY’s Half Dizzy and their track ‘The Faceless‘. You can pre order the release in all kinds of fancy colours (including glow in the dark!)- find your options HERE.
Unlettered- ‘She is Inside You‘
Time for a dirge splurge now with the next choice: the innovative post-punk project spearheaded by multi-instrumentalist Mike Knowlton- Unlettered. The band’s new track ‘She is Inside You’ is a heavier and sprawling song that conjures up images of the 90s NYC experimental music scene. As the lead single from the band’s upcoming album ‘Five Mile Point‘ (out 22/11) it is sonically complex and darkly hypnotic. Regarding the single, Knowlton reflects, “‘She Is Inside You‘ explores the fine line between holding onto memories and being trapped by them. This song digs into the burden of sentimental hoarding and the freedom found in letting go.” Unlettered channels an unholy trinity of influences—Polvo, Sonic Youth, and Lungfish- and the result is intriguing, challenging and immersive. You can stream the new track HERE.
Worst Ways- ‘Never Know‘
For all you time-poor hardcore punks out there, how about a punk blast that’s 120 seconds long? That’s what you get with the new track from California hardcore band Worst Ways. ‘Never Know‘ is the second single from their upcoming self-titled debut, out on November `1st via New Age Records. It’s a ballistic and frenetic track that is an ode to rejection and anxiety. A breakneck pace and relentless riffs accompanies vocalist Jonnie D’s uncompromising hardcore delivery, it’s a slap in the face on a cold morning. The video- shot at Sacramento’s famous Pancake Circus- is also pretty cool. Stream the track HERE and pre order the new album HERE.
Trashed Ambulance- ‘Split the Difference‘
Alberta’s finest- Trashed Ambulance – are back with a new single and video for ‘Split the Difference‘. A rousing and raucous pop punk anthem, ‘Split the Difference‘ is a song that seems intensely relevant to the times we live in. Of the track, the band said: “In this global hellscape we occupy, it’s never been easier to find willing sycophants to pacify your delusions. In your day to day existence, it’s easier to split the difference with opponents and find common ground but what happens when you abandon all of your principles and waste away to nothing due to your compromises?” Listen to this fab song whilst you ponder the above. Stream the track HERE.
There you go folks! That’s all for this week.