Punk band The Venomous Pinks gave audiences another preview of its new album this week.
The band debuted its new single, ‘Apothecary Ailment‘ and its companion video Thursday. The song and its video are the latest from the band’s forthcoming album, Vita Mors, which is scheduled for release June 3 through SBAM Records. The band debuted the record’s debut single, ‘No Rules‘ and its video last month.
The Venomous Pinks’ debut album is preceded by its EP, I Want You, which was released in 2020. The record produced the single, ‘I Really Don’t Care‘.
The musical arrangement featured in ‘Apothecary Ailment’ is another straight forward, guitar-driven surf/skate punk style composition from the band. It will appeal easily to fans of the likes of Pennywise, Counterpunch, and Chaser what with that familiar sound and style.
Singer/guitarist Drea Doll talked about the song’s lyrical theme in a prepared statement.
“‘Apothecary Ailment’ is a track about how consuming the cycle of addiction can be,” Doll said. “I witnessed someone close to me struggle with severe addiction. It was a matter of life or death. The lyrics are a plea for them to choose life. I’ve had my own personal battles over the years, and facing one’s demons is never easy.
The video for the band’s new single finds the band out in the desert, performing its new single as the sun sets.
Doll talked about the presentation in her statement.
“For the video, we escape to the beautiful landscape near the lost Dutchman park in Apache Junction, AZ. Since this is our first album, it was important for us to show the world our roots and where we grew up.”
Courtesy: SBAM Records
In other news, The Venomous Pinks is scheduled to join The Dead Kennedys and Nekromantix on the road this summer for a series of live dates. The band’s schedule with the groups is scheduled to launch June 8 in Boston, MA and to run through June 19 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. It also features stops in cities, such as Atlanta, GA; Louisville, KY and Nashville, TN.
More information on The venomous Pink’s new single, video, album and upcoming performances is available online at:
Punk band The Venomous Pinks debuted its new single and video this week.
The band premiered its new single, ‘No Rules‘ and its video Thursday. The song is featured in the band’s forthcoming debut album, Vita Mors, which is scheduled for release June 3 through SBAM Records.
The musical arrangement featured in the band’s new single is a catchy three minute-plus composition. The vocal harmonies and the instrumentation makes the song a work that will appeal to any punk rock purist.
The song’s lyrical theme centers on the all too familiar topic of a broken relationship, according to singer/guitarist Drea Doll.
“‘No Rules’ is a scorned love letter in song form that attempts to break the vicious cycle of a toxic relationship,” Doll said. “It was a fun track to record, because regardless of what stage you are at in life, everyone can relate to a little heartbreak.”
Doll also talked about the song’s video.
“We are collaborating again with director Alexander Thomas to create the video,” she said. “I’m stoked, because we were taping at The Pinks old stomping grounds, The Yucca Tap Room. The venue is an Arizona punk rock staple, and we really came into our own as a band on that stage – so it’s only fitting.”
The video features the band on stage in the performance space as two women sit at a bar inside, watching the performance. Audiences will also appreciate that the unidentified bartender featured in the video is sporting a Chaser t-shirt. Chaser is a well-known punk band in its own right.
In other news, The Venomous Pinks are scheduled to perform live in late May at the Pouzza Fest 10 in Montreal, Quebec. They will join the likes of Propaghandi, Cloud Nothings, Belvedere, Bad Cop/Bad Cop, and War on Women for the festival.
The Venomous Pinks’ debut album is preceded by its EP, I Want You, which was released in 2020. The record produced the single, ‘I Really Don’t Care‘.
More information on The venomous Pink’s new single, video, album and upcoming performance is available online at:
Courtesy: Thousand Islands Records/Lockjaw Records
Independent punk rock band Belvedere is scheduled to release its latest album Friday. Hindsight is the Sixth Sense, the band’s third album, is scheduled for release through Thousand Island Records and Lockjaw Records. The 13-song record will appeal equally to the band’s established audience base and to punk purists in general. That is proven in part through the album’s musical arrangements. They will be discussed shortly. The lyrical themes presented throughout the album add their own appeal. They will be discussed a little later. The album’s sequencing rounds out its most important elements and will also be discussed later. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the 34-minute album. All things considered, they make the album a punk purist’s dream come true.
Belvedere’s forthcoming album, Hindsight is the Sixth Sense is a work that fits well into any punk purist’s music library. That is proven in part through its featured musical arrangements. The arrangements featured in this record are pure punk rock for the most part. As a matter of fact, when listeners compare the arrangements featured in this album to the works in the band’s existing catalog, the up-tempo, guitar-driven works are everything that audiences have come to expect from the band. The comparisons to works from the likes of Pennywise, Chaser, and Radio Thieves are just as clear here as in the band’s existing albums for that matter. While the arrangements do tend to stay true to a familiar sound and stylistic approach in this album, there is at least one song that breaks that mold. It comes in the form of ‘Retina.’ This song actually opens with something of a thrash style approach that plays out in the song’s choruses. That sound and stylistic approach, against the band’s more familiar pure punk sound makes this one of the album’s most interesting musical points. There are other points throughout the album that present some metal influence, but nowhere near as evident in this case. All things considered, the general familiarity of the album’s musical content gives the noted audiences enough to appreciate.
The musical arrangements that make up the body of Belvedere’s new album are in themselves reason enough for the noted audiences to take in this record. They are just a part of what will make the album appealing to the band’s target audiences. The album’s lyrical themes are just as much pure punk as its musical arrangements. Case in point is the lyrical theme featured in ‘Retina.’ This song’s lyrical theme takes on the powers that be so to speak. This is made clear as front man Steve Rawles sings, “We’re placing all our faith in institutions/(When every fuckin’ time they let us down)/Another protest can’t relieve this evolution/What cost, it’s always in your thoughts/You felt the same, the same/A masterful thought takeover/It’s criminal and moreover/Never, regarded, insane.” The statement here is clear and follows very much in similar fashion as the nearly three-minute song progresses. It is that defiant, anti-establishment anthem for which punk rock has come to be known over the genre’s history.
‘Good Grief Retreat,’ one of the album’s singles is another example of how the album’s familiar lyrical themes will appeal to Belvedere’s key audiences. As Rawles pointed out in a recent interview, “This song speaks of the average worker and the system that benefits off their labour. While the rich can hide behind laws, regulations and a corporate veil that doesn’t hold them accountable for their actions, the worker never gets ahead and has no chance of closing the wage and lifestyle gap. The Retreat in the title refers to the general populace demanding better conditions.” Again, this is a topic that is quite familiar to punk bands across the board. Keeping that in mind, it will engage and entertain listeners just as much as the lyrical theme featured in ‘Retina.’ ‘Peace in Our Time’ is one more example of the importance of the album’s lyrical themes. It is another familiar commentary about society and everything going on. From tackling the powers that be, to people’s innate desire to point the finger, this song goes after both. The statements are illustrated in the song’s statement, “Heedless of the consequence to reap what you have sown/Lay the blame on someone else, to misdirect your own/It’s hard to gauge the loss of innocence/You set the bar, you cast the die/Dead mothers, fathers, sons and daughters/But never tell us why/They question where’s the retribution.” The overall statement is expanded in another verse, which states, Should I take a dive/Or should i go a few more rounds?/I’m crying on the sidelines as the final buzzer sounds/All the same old butchers/With a different badge in hand/And all that we demand is/Freedom, but not without a price.” This social commentary is, again, familiar territory for the band and for punk and its fans. Keeping that in mind, it is one more way in which the album’s lyrical content ensures listeners engaged and entertained in this record. When it is considered along with the other themes noted here and the rest of the album’s presented lyrical themes, the whole leaves no doubt as to the importance of the album’s lyrical content. That content and the album’s musical arrangements are just part of what audiences will find appealing about the record. Its sequencing rounds out its most important elements.
The sequencing of Hindsight is the Sixth Sense is important to note because it ensures the album’s energy remains high from beginning to end. There are some subtle variances in terms of the overall stylistic approach to the songs. That keeps things just interesting enough in that avenue. The energy though, remains stable from the record’s opening to its finale. Keeping that in mind, the album’s sequencing puts the finishing touch to its presentation. When it is considered along with the album’s overall content, the whole makes this record a presentation that listeners will appreciate in their initial listen and in hindsight.
Belvedere’s forthcoming album Hindsight is the Sixth Sense is a presentation that will appeal equally to the band’s established audience base and to punk purists. That is due in part to the album’s musical arrangements. The arrangements featured in this record are everything that audiences have come to expect from the band. They are also works that prove familiar to any punk fan what with their up-tempo approaches, and distinct vocal approaches. The lyrical themes featured throughout the album are just as familiar to all of the noted audiences as the album’s musical arrangements. To that end, that increased familiarity will appeal even more to the noted audiences. The sequencing used throughout the album does its own part to keep audiences listening. It keeps the album’s energy high throughout even with the subtle changes in the arrangements’ stylistic approaches. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the album. All things considered, they make the album a work that holds its own in this year’s field of new punk records. Hindsight is the Sixth Sense is scheduled for release Friday through Thousand Islands Records and Lockjaw Records.
More information on Belvedere’s new single and album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
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Courtesy: Thousand Islands Records/Lockjaw Records
Independent punk rock band Belvedere unveiled another single from its forthcoming album this week.
The band debuted its new single, ‘Camera Obscura‘ Tuesday. The song is the third single from the band’s forthcoming album, Hindsight is the Sixth Sense, which is scheduled for release May 14 through Thousand Islands Records in the U.S. and through Lockjaw Records in Europe and the United Kingdom. It will release through both labels on CD, vinyl, and digital.
The debut of ‘Camera Obscura’ follows that of the album’s lead single, ‘Good Grief Retreat‘ in February, and ‘Elephant March‘ last month.
The musical arrangement featured in ‘Camera Obscura’ is a fiery upbeat punk composition. the machine gun precise drumming, the energetic melodies generated through the guitars and bass, and the catchy vocals make the arrangement a work that lends itself to comparisons to works from the likes of Pennywise, Record Thieves, and Chaser, much as with ‘Good Grief Retreat.’
The lyrical theme that accompanies the song’s musical arrangement comes across as possibly being a social commentary from what can be understood sans lyrics to reference and comment from the band about said content.
Pre-orders are open for Hindsight is the Sixth Sense. Among pre-order availability are three exclusive vinyl variant packages. There are also bundles that feature the items noted below.
Additional merch items include:
– American Socks partnership (limited run of album-themed socks)
– Full line of new t-shirt/tank top
– Album-themed Skateboard Deck
The band’s album has some special guest appearances. Less Than Jake front man Roger Lima, Protest The Hero vocalist Rody Walker, and Wolfrick singer Dylan Toews join the band for some of the album’s works.
The track listing for Hindsight is the Sixth Sense is noted below.
Album Tracklisting:
1. Happily Never After
2. Elephant March
3. The Ides
4. Camera Obscura
5. Retina
6. Chromatic
7. Good Grief Retreat
8. Comrade (feat. Roger Lima)
9. 2 Fast 2 Furious
10. Memento Mori (feat. Dylan Toews)
11. Automate (feat. Rody Walker)
12. Heartbreaker
13. Peace In Our Time
More information on Belvedere’s new single and album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Courtesy: Thousand Islands Records/Soundspeed Records/SBAM Records/Pee Records
Less than a year after releasing its latest studio recording, LookAlive, surf punk rock band Chaser is scheduled to return with another, longer record this week. The band is scheduled to release its new album Dreamers Thursday through Thousand Islands Records/Soundspeed Records/SBAM Records/Pee Records. The 13-song record is a presentation that will appeal widely among the band’s established audience base and to surf and pop punk fans alike. That is proven in part through the recording’s musical arrangements. They will be discussed shortly. The lyrical content that accompanies the record’s musical arrangements play into the album’s appeal in its own way. It will be discussed a little later. The album’s production puts the finishing touch to its presentation and will also be discussed later. When it is considered with the record’s overall content, the production in whole becomes a record that is certain to appeal to lots of listeners.
Chaser’s new forthcoming album Dreamers is a powerful new recording that will appeal widely to punk fans in general. That is proven from beginning to end of its 38-minute presentation. The appeal is due in part to the album’s featured musical arrangements. The arrangements are important to note because while Chaser is generally classified as a surf punk style band, the arrangements featured here also exhibit some pop punk influence. The surf punk influence is evident right from the album’s outset in ‘Fight of Our Lives. However, it does not take long for the noted pop punk influence to come into play. It shows up in the album’s third entry, ‘Good Times.’ The arrangement here immediately lends itself to comparison to pop punk acts, such as New Found Glory, All Time Low, and Sum 41 to a slightly lesser degree. That is made clear through the harmonies and melodies in the pairing of the bass and guitar, and the catchy melodies in the vocals. The stylistic approach changes just enough from one song to the next, to ensure listeners remain engaged and entertained. The energy never lets off too much from one song to the next, either. The whole makes the record’s musical content (and its related sequencing) a strong starting point to the record’s presentation. It is just one of the elements that makes Dreamers a positive new offering from Chaser, too. The lyrical content that accompanies the album’s musical arrangements adds to the record’s appeal in its own way.
The lyrical content featured in Dreamers because of its variety. Some of the lyrical themes featured in this album are familiar social commentaries presented in easily accessible fashion. Other content is meant to uplift listeners. Case in point is the theme of the album’s title track. The band explained the concept within ‘Dreamers’ in a prepared statement. The statement reads in regards to the song’s lyrical theme, “It’s a dedication to those who have persevered through personal struggles and misfortune to continue chasing their dreams. Influenced by our loved ones, it’s an appreciation of how much they have inspired us to grow and to do better in our own lives to keep a positive perspective.” That is evidenced right from the song’s outset which states, “No one said life would be fair/Could only promise I’ll be there/Through the thick and then/With God as my witness/Testament of bravery/Redefining tragedy/Despite the odds/We’re never giving in/You taught us not to be afraid/You proved that love would never fade/The answer was always your gift…I hope that every day you choose to live.” That powerful lead statement in itself is certain to resonate with any listener. The same can be said of the song’s second verse, which states, “Through the darkness you have grown/Conquering the world you know/Traveled on the roads with nothing but your faith/Searching for your destiny/Chasing all your wildest dreams…And now we’re out here on our own…I hope every day you choose to live.” Not all of the lyrics can be deciphered here without a lyrics sheet, but the overall message is clear. It is a message of support, hope and optimism. It is something that again, will connect with a wide range of listeners. When that positive message is paired with the song’s equally catchy pop punk musical arrangement, it will resonate with listeners even more. It is just one example of what makes the album’s lyrical content important to examine. ‘A New Direction’ is another key example of the lyrics’ importance.
‘A New Direction’ takes the more noted socially conscious approach in its lyrical content. Originally featured in the band’s 2018 album Sound The Sirens, this song’s lyrical theme is one of those familiar songs that calls for social action. This is evidenced in the song’s lead verse, which states in part, “Society is coming unglued/We’re ticking time bombs/Long overdue.” The mentions in the second verse of “mind slavery” and feeding “the wolves their own agendas” is a powerful statement in itself. The cry in the chorus, “Take the reins/This is your tomorrow/Be the change/be the one we follow…we are in for one hell of a ride” adds even more to that statement. The added note that “you have a purpose in this life” will motivate listeners even more. Between all of this and the rest of the song’s lyrical content, the noted call to action becomes increasingly clear. What’s more, it avoids coming across in any preachy fashion, but rather in an infectious, encouraging fashion. When that powerful message and presentation is paired with the song’s equally powerful musical arrangement, the song gains that much more impact. It is just one more way in which the album’s lyrical themes prove so important to its whole. ‘Always With You,’ which come late in the album’s run, is one more example of what makes the album’s lyrical content so important to its whole.
The lyrical theme featured in ‘Always With You’ is another uplifting message. Right from the song’s outset, it states, “The best is yet to come or so they say/And I become even more proud of you with every passing day…we’ll take this ride together through the lows and highs…Do your best…just know I’m with you until the very end/This is your time…Just know you’ll make a difference.” Some of the content here is, again, difficult to decipher. That aside, the overall message is clear. This is, again, a message of support from one person to another. It is a message that a parent can use for a child. It is a message that a friend can use for another friend. It can even be used for one spouse to another. That is how far-reaching it is and how positive it is. It is another wonderful, uplifting statement that shows once again how much power is in the lyrical themes in this record. When it is considered along with the other themes noted here and the rest of the album’s lyrical themes, that overall lyrical content here leaves no doubt as to its importance. When all of that content is considered along with the record’s overall musical content, that mass makes for that much more appeal. It is collectively just one more way in which the album proves itself such a welcome new offering from Chaser. The record’s production puts the finishing touch to its presentation.
Dreamers’ production is important to discuss because of its impact on the record’s general presentation. Considering how much is going on in each of the album’s featured songs in terms of instrumentation and energy, it would have been easy for the album to get bogged down in itself. The vocals and instrumentations could easily have gotten lost among themselves, ergo losing the impact and sound. Thankfully that did not happen here. Rather, it is clear that the utmost attention was paid to each song to ensure every element was balanced. That time and effort paid off from one song to the next. The result is that the songs’ arrangements are expertly balanced. What’s more, the subtleties in the stylistic approach and sound from one song to the next are just clear enough to create its own appeal. The end result is a record whose production gives listeners just as much to appreciate here as in the record’s overall content. All things considered, the production and content collectively makes Dreamers a welcome return from Chaser and a valid candidate for a spot on any critic’s list of the year’s top new albums and rock albums.
Chaser’s new album, Dreamers is the kind of presentation of which any rock fan dreams. Yes, that awful pun was intended. That is proven in part through its musical arrangements. The arrangements in question give listeners the best of the surf punk and pop punk realms. Every song is comparable to works within both subgenre’s realms from so many other listeners. That familiarity is certain to engage and entertain listeners in its own way. The uplifting and socially conscious lyrical themes that accompany the album’s musical arrangements add their own appeal to the album’s presentation. The record’s production puts the finishing touch to its presentation, bringing everything together. Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the album. All things considered, they make Dreamers a work that will appeal to any punk rock fan and a work that will hold its own at year’s end when critics put in their “best of” lists. Dreamers is scheduled for release Thursday through Thousand Islands Records/Soundspeed Records/SBAM Records/Pee Records.
More information on Chaser’s new album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Courtesy: Thousand Islands Records/Soundspeed Records/SBAM Records/Pee Records
Surf punk rock band Chaser premiered the video for its latest single this week.
The band premiered the lyric video for the title track for its new album, which is scheduled for release April 8 through Thousand Islands Records, Soundspeed Records,SBAM Records, and Pee Records. ‘Dreamers’ is the album’s third single. Its premiere follows those of its predecessors, ‘2020‘ and ‘A New Direction.’
The ‘Dreamers’ lyric video places the song’s lyrics over the album’s artwork as the upbeat pop punk arrangement plays over it all. Speaking of that arrangement, it will appeal to fans of similar acts, such as New Found Glory, Sum 41, and All Time Low.
The lyrical theme that accompanies the musical arrangement featured in ‘Dreamers’ is meant to be an inspirational statement, according to a prepared statement from the band.
“The song ‘Dreamers’ is the title track off our new album,” the statement reads. “It’s a dedication to those who have persevered through personal struggles and misfortune to continue chasing their dreams. Influenced by our loved ones, it’s an appreciation of how much they have inspired us to grow and to do better in our own lives to keep a positive perspective.”
Pre-orders for Dreamers are open now. The album will come more than seven months after the release of the band’s latest studio, its EP Look Alive. Released Sept. 4, the two-song record features the EP’s title track and ‘Found Myself Again.’
More information on Chaser’s new album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Courtesy: Thousand Islands Records/Soundspeed Records/SBAM Records/Pee Records
Surf punk rock band Chaser will release its new album next month.
The band is scheduled to release its new albumDreamers April 8 through Thousand Islands Records, Soundspeed Records,SBAM Records, and Pee Records. The 13-song record features the already released singles ‘2020‘ and ‘A New Direction.’
Bassist Jesse Stopnitzky talked about the record, the band’s fifth, during a recent interview.
“‘Dreamers’ is a 13-song burst of anthemic and melodic punk energy with self-reflecting and hopeful lyrics,” he said. “It is a reminder to keep chasing your dreams and keep your head up. It’s the most personal album we have written, touching on the highs and lows of life, but as always, with a positive CHASER twist.”
Chaser’s new album will come more than seven months after the release of the band’s latest studio, its EP Look Alive. Released Sept. 4, the two-song record features the EP’s title track and ‘Found Myself Again.’
More information on Chaser’s new album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Courtesy: Thousand Islands Records/Lockjaw Records
Independent punk rock band Belvedere is taking on a tried and true topic in its latest single.
The band debuted its new single, ‘Good Grief Retreat‘ Wednesday. The song is the lead single from the band’s forthcoming album Hindsight is the Sixth Sense. The album is scheduled for release May 14 through Thousand Islands Records in the U.S. and through Lockjaw Records in Europe and the United Kingdom. It will release through both labels on CD, vinyl, and digital.
Pre-orders are open. Among pre-order availability are three exclusive vinyl variant packages. There are also bundles that feature the items noted below.
Additional merch items include:
– American Socks partnership (limited run of album-themed socks)
– Full line of new t-shirt/tank top
– Album-themed Skateboard Deck
The band’s album has some special guest appearances. Less Than Jake front man Roger Lima, Protest The Hero vocalist Rody Walker, and Wolfrick singer Dylan Toews join the band for some of the album’s works.
The musical arrangement featured in ‘Good Grief Retreat’ is familiar to fans of bands, such as Chaser, Pennywise, and Record Thieves. The lyrical theme that accompanies the song’s musical arrangement proves just as familiar for punk fans.
Front man Steve Rawles talked about the song’s lyrical theme during a recent interview.
“This song speaks of the average worker and the system that benefits off their labour,” he said. While the rich can hide behind laws, regulations and a corporate veil that doesn’t hold them accountable for their actions, the worker never gets ahead and has no chance of closing the wage and lifestyle gap. The Retreat in the title refers to the general populace demanding better conditions.”
The track listing for Hindsight is the Sixth Sense is noted below.
Album Tracklisting:
1. Happily Never After
2. Elephant March
3. The Ides
4. Camera Obscura
5. Retina
6. Chromatic
7. Good Grief Retreat
8. Comrade (feat. Roger Lima)
9. 2 Fast 2 Furious
10. Memento Mori (feat. Dylan Toews)
11. Automate (feat. Rody Walker)
12. Heartbreaker
13. Peace In Our Time
More information on Belvedere’s new single and album is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Surf punk rock band Chaser debuted its latest single this week, along with the song’s companion video.
The band debuted its new single ‘A New Direction‘ Monday along with its companion video. The pair’s premiere comes more than a month after the band debuted its then latest single, ‘2020.’
The musical arrangement featured in the band’s new single follows the band’s familiar skate punk style while its lyrical content also follows the familiar socially aware approach of the band’s existing catalog.
The video for ‘A New Direction’ presents the band performing its single in what is meant to reflect a live setting. The group is inside a warehouse of sort as the cameras frenetically capture the performance from a variety of angles.
More information on Chaser’s new single and video is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
Surf punk rock band Chaser debuted the video for its latest single this week.
The band debuted the video for its new single ‘2020‘ Monday. The band will make the song available to download Friday. Audiences can pre-save the single now here.
‘2020’ is the third new song that Chaser has released this year following the release of the band’s two-song EP Look Alive. Released Sept. 4, the record features the songs ‘Look Alive‘ and ‘Found Myself Again.’
‘2020’ features a musical arrangement that stays in line with the stylistic approach and sound featured in ‘Look Alive’ and ‘Found Myself Again.’ It will appeal to fans of Pennywise, like the aforementioned songs.
The lyrical theme featured in ‘2020’ is a commentary about everything that has happened this year, according to a statement from bassist Jesse Stopnitsky.
“2020 has been a year unlike anything we’ve experienced in our lifetimes,” said Stopnitsky. ‘2020’ references both the status quo of the socio-political climate, and also our 20/20 vision. Despite the progress made, it feels like we’re regressing as a society. While this song was actually written and recorded before the COVID pandemic, its meaning and relevance definitely intensified as the year progressed.”
More information on Chaser’s new single and video is available along with all of the band’s latest news at:
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