Happy Easter punks! As you work your way through your chocolate eggs and hot cross buns or whatever you want to treat yourself with, we have been busy putting together a list of brand spanking new tracks that we think you will like! And the only way to find out if we’ve hit the bullseye is to give them a go…
Heartwells- ‘Backstabbers‘
The California punk band Heartwells are aptly named because whenever they have a new song out, my heart (s)wells…get it? OK, never mind….anyway, the band’s new track ‘Backstabbers‘ encapsulates everything we love about the band- it’s got a lively sing-a-long chorus, bouncing riffs for days and an unexpectedly epic mid-song guitar solo. And check out the cinematic chops of this new video! It’s a whole mini movie complete with dramatic tension, a boiler-suited villain and a kill scene involving noodles (just watch it). JT of Heartwells says, “Backstabbers is a song about seeing the true side people once you have nothing left to offer them. The users and abusers of this world who only take from you until you have nothing left.” Well the band certainly have a lot left to give us and this track is one of their strongest yet. You can pre order their EP ‘Ollie‘ (which will feature this track) HERE.
Bratakus- ‘Final Girls‘
If you’re looking for a new favourite band then consider Scottish duo Bratakus as serious contenders. Formed by sisters Brèagha Cuinn (Guitar and vocals) and Onnagh Cuinn (Bass and vocals) outside a small village called Tomintoul in the Highlands, they have been dubbed “the most remote band in the UK” which adds to the intrigue of this staunchly DIY outfit. Having just signed to Venn Records, they are now kicking things up a notch with the release of new single ‘Final Girls‘. It’s no-frills-all-thrills, a raucous slap of old school punk snarl. Speaking of the meaning behind the track, Brèagha says: “Final Girls is a song about the horror movie trope of the ‘Final Girl’ and all the rules they have to follow in order to survive the movie. The song talks about how the rules and standards that these characters have to abide by reflect the unspoken rules that society puts in place for women“. And the video continues the horror theme with a homage to Stephen King’s classic Carrie– the ultimate final girl. The track is a taster for a full length release in 2026…watch this space!
TV Death- ‘Propaganda‘
Something with a retro indie feel now, it is Geordie gems TV Death! Their new track ‘Propaganda‘ is a double threat: an incessantly catchy ear worm AND a foot stomping, dance inducer. There’s shades of 70s glam and Bolan-esque charisma alongside garage rock bite, all set around a modern theme of misinformation and media manipulation. This track is the opener for their forthcoming album ‘Neon Dreamland‘ out in August, and frontman Jack Burlison says of the background to ‘Propaganda‘ : “It’s a commentary on how truth gets twisted and how misinformation fuels fear, division, and apathy. It’s a wake-up call about the narratives we’re fed and the damage they cause.” Their forthcoming album follows up previous EP releases ‘Isolation‘ (2021) and ‘The Good, The One and the Devil‘ (2023). Pre order the album and check out previous releases HERE.
With Patience- ‘Exit As Instructed’
Chicago post-hardcore trio With Patience have unleashed the second single from their forthcoming album ‘Triptych‘ (out May 9th). ‘Exit As Instructed‘ is a sonic assault that reflects the nature of the subject matter of the lyrics, as explained by band member Lance Curran: “it’s about struggling with crippling anxiety and panic attacks while trying to hide that you’re experiencing them in public“. It feels unique and unsettling (in a good way) and the diverse influences of the band – everything from math rock, metal and 80s hardcore- are all deftly channelled and packaged through the band’s own style. Get your streaming and pre-ordering options HERE.
Vicious Cycles- ‘Daddy Was A Gambler‘
You will NOT be able to listen to this new stomping song by Vancouver punks Vicious Cycles without getting off your seat and tearing up the dancefloor (or bedroom floor, kitchen floor, wherever you happen to be at the time). The band have a new album – ‘Get Wrecked‘ -out on 25th April and it is gonna get ROWDY. The video for single ‘Daddy Was A Gambler‘ sees the band running amok in the original sin city, Las Vegas (which makes sense considering the title of the track). The driving bass, the pulsing energy, the gravelly vocals …this is a band that know how to have a good time and they’re taking us all with them! The track references head honcho Billy Bone’s father – an ex-preacher who regularly hauled his kids to Circus Circus in his ’57 Chevy – and his mother, a nurse and, as Billy puts it, “as close to an actual saint as anyone in the world. The song is an appreciation for the two of them, and how their differences made me who I am.” Make sure you’re ready for the full album as I feel that when that particular party bus rolls into town, you’re not gonna get off. Everything you need to get ready for the release including previous videos and pre-order for ‘Get Wrecked‘ can be found HERE.
Teenage Bottlerocket- ‘She’s The Shit‘
‘She’s The Shit‘ is the first single to be taken from the upcoming LP ‘Ready To Roll’ by veteran US pop-punkers Teenage Bottlerocket. Gloriously uplifting, catchy and dare we say, sweet…the new track is like The Ramones unabashed melody and sentiment, but for 2025. It’s even more sweet when you hear band member Ray talk about the inspiration behind the track: “My wife Rachel loves to give me a hard time—she rolls her eyes when I rock out in front of the mirror, makes fun of the music I love, and calls me an old man when I bring up movies she’s never seen. And I totally love her for it. We talk shit while we drive, crank rad music, and laugh our asses off. This song is about all of that—it’s loud, fun, and full of personality“. You know you love Teenage Bottlerocket and you know they’re not gonna disappoint! There’s a reason they are celebrating 25 years as a band this year, and it is because of solid punk output like this! Keep an eye out for pre order info to be announced SOON.
There you go punks! A short playlist to kick start your Spring holidays!
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Photo Credits for top picture:
Bratakus: Lee Lewis
TV Death: Rhiannon Banks
With Patience: Ali Wade