Tag: new single

Deux Visages Announces Debut Album ‘Call It Goodbye’ & Releases New Single ‘Automatic’

Deux Visages will be on tour this fall with The Linda Lindas. Photo: Enoch Chuang, used with permission.

Rising Rock Trio Deux Visages Announces Debut Album Call It Goodbye & Shares` New Single ‘Automatic’

Promising rock trio Deux Visages, comprising vocalist Daphney Hanono, guitarist Jack Chiu, and bassist Tony Jouvin, is stepping into a major new era. (another side, 2026)

Their emergence has been a whirlwind. Founded over a thread of DMs in high school, they quickly signed to Atlantic Records once word of their rampant and immersive live shows hit. Fast-forward through a series of breakthrough singles, an EP, support tours alongside Mannequin P*ssy, julie, and Wunderhorse, plus an uprooting from Miami to Philadelphia: the three have now perfected their chemistry and eclectic, earnest dream-pop rock that is singularly Deux Visages.

Call It Goodbye: A Visceral Coming-of-Age Story

The trio recently announced their debut full-length, and first with Pure Noise Records, titled Call It Goodbye. It will be out November 6. Pre-Order/Pre-Save here.

It’s Deux Visages’ coming-of-age story: a sophisticated yet visceral examination of the conflict between the past and the future. Each invigorating and powerful track bristles with the tension and emotions that come with youth and new experiences. On Call It Goodbye, the trio looks back at what’s been, while also confidently leaving that past behind.

Listen to ‘Automatic’

On their new single ‘Automatic,’ available now alongside an accompanying music video, Hanono reflects on an internal monologue of feeling “less than” and “predictable.”

“A lot of this track has to do with things crashing down around us with our first record deal. It was our early days as a band and touring, and we weren’t feeling worthy or ready to handle all of these major changes.”

— Daphney Hanono

Crafting the Sound

Deux Visages recorded Call It Goodbye in Miami with longtime friend Arquimides ‘Arkii’ Cala, who also recorded all of the band’s early material, including their very first single “Cheetah.”

Cala masterfully captures Deux Visages’ dreamy, soaring, feedback-soaked sound across the entire record:

  • “Always You” – The album’s euphoric leading single.
  • “Behind” – An immediate, hard-hitting track balancing vulnerability with explosive guitars and dynamic shifts.
  • “Call It Goodbye” – The title track closing out the record with a sense of frustration and urgency, confronting the inevitability of time slipping away.

Together, these songs depict the instability, uncertainty, and growing pains of youth while ultimately embracing change. Call It Goodbye is a record about asserting yourself amid uncertainty, and discovering that, with enough determination and self-belief, you can leave the past behind and move confidently toward whatever comes at you next.

On the Road

Deux Visages just wrapped up a North American run supporting Sweet Pill. Next month, they join The Linda Lindas as special guests on their East Coast run, performing in New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and more.

See below for the full list of tour dates, and grab your tickets and details here.

Deux Visages Live Dates:

Oct 02: Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Smalls Theatre ~
Oct 04: Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts ~
Oct 06: Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club ~
Oct 07: New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place ~
Oct 08: Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel ~

~ w/ The Linda Lindas

Call It Goodbye tracklist:

  1. Disengage
  2. Always You
  3. Behind
  4. Missed Calls
  5. Automatic
  6. Afterthought
  7. Fleeting Wishes
  8. Silhouette
  9. Paint Myself Blue
  10. Pixelate
  11. Call It Goodbye
1793977226

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

Call It Goodbye release date

Amon Amarth Announces New Album ‘The Allfather Awakens’

‘Eight Legs of Thunder’ is the newest single from the forthcoming album. Photo: Sylwia Makris & Christian Martin Weiss, used with permission.

Amon Amarth Unleashes “Eight Legs of Thunder” and Announces New Album The Allfather Awakens

Swedish melodic death metal titans Amon Amarth are back with a vengeance. Their steamrolling new anthem, “Eight Legs of Thunder,” is a heavy, galloping charge inspired by Sleipnir – the legendary eight-legged steed of Oden. (another side, 2026)

Driven by a powerful, sing-along chorus and blistering riffs, the track plunges headfirst into Norse mythology. Meanwhile, the accompanying music video takes a surreal detour, transporting the tale into a gritty, modern American Western filled with cowboys, pickup trucks, open roads, and an appearance by the mythical steed itself.

“With ‘Eight Legs Of Thunder’, together with the band, we wanted to break the traditional metal music video mold once again. We fused the raw, dusty vibe of a modern western with the epic, dark mythology of Oden’s eight-legged steed. It’s a high-octane, cinematic ride packed with cowboy tension, raw action, and a touch of dark humor.” — Director Dariusz Szermanowicz

The Allfather Awakens: What to Expect

“Eight Legs of Thunder” serves as the final preview ahead of the band’s forthcoming album, The Allfather Awakens, dropping October 2 via Metal Blade Records. Pre-Order/Pre-Save here.

  • The Sound: For this ten-song masterwork, the band took a fresh approach. Written during touring sessions rather than after coming off the road, each track was treated as a distinct single. Sonically, they stepped away from modern 5150 amps and returned to classic Marshalls for a slightly grittier edge.
  • The Concept: While Oden, the Norse deity of war, wisdom, death, magic, and poetry, remains the central through-line, the band notes this is not a strict concept album. Instead, it’s a collection of historically inspired epic tales detailing conflict and sacrifice.
  • The Journey: The new record follows previous releases like the acoustic excursion “Upphaf” and the furious fan-favorite “Gjallarhorn.”

This autumn, the new album will come to life on stage as Amon Amarth unveils a brand-new production inspired by Oden’s legendary Golden Hall, transforming their UK and European tour dates into a living extension of the record.

Three Decades of Conquering the Metal World

Over 30 years since their formation in Tumba, Sweden, in 1992, Amon Amarth continues to operate as a tightly knit unit. Frontman Johan Hegg’s lyrics on the new track “We Rule The Waves” perfectly sum up their relentless momentum:

“From cradle until the grave / As long as the sun sets in the west / We rule the waves / Our restless hearts / Have brought us far…”

From massive North American takeovers at The Forum (Los Angeles) and Red Rocks (Denver) to headlining major festival stages across the globe, including Germany’s Wacken Open Air (where they played to 85,000 fans in 2024), Bloodstock, Download, and Summer Breeze, their legacy speaks for itself.

Amon Amarth’s Cultural Influence

When talking about Amon Amarth’s cultural footprint, you cannot overlook The Row.

Consensus points directly to a 2009 Amon Amarth set at the UK’s Bloodstock festival as the birthplace of the legendary audience tradition, where fans sit on the ground and mimic rowing an invisible longship in unison. The trend became so massive that the band officially honored it with their 2022 anthem “Put Your Back into the Oar.”

Today, the phenomenon has expanded far beyond metal shows, appearing at concerts across genres and even catching on with global sports crowds, including audiences at the 2026 World Cup.

The Allfather Awakens tracklist:

  1. Gjallarhorn
  2. Eight Legs of Thunder
  3. Kvasir’s Blood
  4. We Rule the Waves
  5. Upphaf
  6. Die With a War Cry
  7. Raven God
  8. The Allfather Awakes
  9. Oden’s Hunt
  10. Ascending Like an Eagle

Belgian Post-Hardcore Band Wrong Man Announces Debut Here’s That Feeling

Wrong Man team up with Kurt Ballou for new album Here’s That Feeling on Deathwish Inc. Photo: Wrong Man, used with permission.

Deathwish Inc. Welcomes Wrong Man (feat. Members of Oathbreaker, Partisan, & Rise And Fall)

With a sound that reflects an eclectic range of influences, Belgium’s Wrong Man continues to forge their own path with every record they release and every song they write. Their unique brand of soulful post-hardcore is equal parts noisy and melodic—at times bluesy, at times moody. Depending on who you ask, you’ll hear references to bands like Quicksand, The Jesus Lizard, Sonic Youth, and The Wipers. (another side, 2026)

Featuring members of Oathbreaker, Partisan, and Rise And Fall, Wrong Man formed with a clear mission: to create something distinct from their previous projects. Following their rocking, ’90s-inspired debut Who Are You? (2022), the band expanded their horizons on Big Plans (2023), leaning into dynamic sonic pushes and pulls.

Now, their debut full-length album, Here’s That Feeling, sharpens that post-hardcore foundation into something even more versatile and expressive, fusing urgency and melody with brooding tension and undeniably catchy choruses.

The Sound & Vision

Rooted in the rawness of ’70s proto-punk alongside the restless spirit of ’90s indie and Dischord-era post-hardcore, Here’s That Feeling carries echoes of Fugazi, Drive Like Jehu, Quicksand, Sonic Youth, and The Wipers, all while pushing forward with a sound uniquely their own. Songs unfold through dynamic shifts and inventive guitar work, driven by a deep emotional undercurrent and an uncompromising pull toward unfiltered expression.

Production Details

  • Recorded: Kortrijk, Belgium by Michael Neyt (Oathbreaker, Predatory Void, Feverchild)
  • Mixed: Kurt Ballou (Converge, Torche, High On Fire) at GodCity Studio

Here’s That Feeling marks a defining step forward, capturing a band stretching its sound while holding tight to its emotional core.

Release Details & Pre-Orders

  • Album Release Date: September 11
  • Vinyl Release Date: October 9 (via Deathwish Inc.)
  • Latest Single: “Petty Thief”

[Pre-Save the Album] | [Pre-Order the Vinyl on Deathwish Inc.]

Here’s That Feeling track list:

  1. Loose Ends
  2. It Won’t Wash Off
  3. Exit Strategy
  4. Blue
  5. Petty Thief
  6. Mystic Eye
  7. Heaven Ain’t Happening
  8. Ripped Open I
  9. Ripped Open II
1789140350

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

Here’s That Feeling Release Date

Emma Ruth Rundle Announces New Album ‘These Killing Times’

Emma Ruth Rundle debuts ‘Enough’ video/single. Photo: Mason Rose, used with permission.

Emma Ruth Rundle Announces New Album These Killing Times, Drops Scathing Single “Enough”

Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, poet, and multidisciplinary artist Emma Ruth Rundle has officially announced her sixth full-length studio album, These Killing Times, set for release on September 18 via her own imprint, Errant Child. (another side, 2026)

Alongside the announcement, Rundle debuted the cutting lead single, “Enough.”

Listen: “Enough”

“Enough” showcases Rundle’s signature ability to fuse gentleness with intensity. Opening with a hypnotic drum rhythm courtesy of Jess Gowrie (Chelsea Wolfe), the track is driven by a deep-toned acoustic guitar riff that offers a deceptive sense of calm.

As Rundle’s voice enters, a distinct note of optimism swells during the increasingly impassioned choruses, ultimately building to a crushing heaviness featuring a tormented saxophone performance by Patrick Shiroishi. It is a track that offers comfort, even as its underlying message proves scathing.

“‘Enough’ is inspired by ‘The Man Who Sold The World’—and in a retelling of the story of Elijah, we imagine him as an Elon Musk-type figure. We ask: is not the whole world enough? We ask the many gods to unleash vengeance and carry this man away into the angry sky, piece by piece.

This song is a reflection of the times we live in and is a vision for the dispensation of the billionaire class. The world belongs to all beings.” — Emma Ruth Rundle

The Music Video

Conceived by Rundle in collaboration with artists Mason Rose, Blake Armstrong, and Mitch Wells, the accompanying music video for “Enough” showcases a stark gothic theatricality.

Evoking an atmosphere as if Nosferatu had landed in the world of legendary puppeteer Jim Henson—a major visual influence for the record—the video depicts Rundle haunted by a creature known as “The Companion.” The dark, romantic visuals are further heightened by a series of frames reminiscent of classic stop-motion animation.

About These Killing Times

Electrifying, emotional, and charged with anti-patriarchal feminist rage, These Killing Times arrives as a reactive anthology, bristling, full of life, and rooted in resistance. Pre-Order/Pre-Save here.

While the new record possesses a spirit of defiance, it retains the tenderness, rawness, and vulnerability that resonated with so many on her globally acclaimed 2021 album, Engine of Hell.

These Killing Times marks a return to a full-band setup, creating a sonically powerful accompaniment to Rundle’s more direct vocal style. The album’s instrumentation is brighter and more urgent than ever before, featuring an impressive lineup of collaborators:

  • Jess Gowrie (Chelsea Wolfe, Mrs. Piss) – Drums
  • Troy Zeigler – Percussion / Collaboration
  • Patrick Shiroishi – Saxophone
  • Nick Reinhart (Tera Melos)
  • Gina Gleason (Baroness)
  • Marissa Nadler
  • Lukas Frank (Storefront Church)
  • Amelia Baker (Cinder Well)

Longtime collaborator Sonny Diperri (My Bloody Valentine, Trent Reznor), who has worked with Rundle across multiple releases over the last decade, returned to record the album.

Community Over Isolation

Written as Rundle watched from afar the devastating effects of climate disasters unfold in early 2025, she reflected on the root causes of global catastrophes and made a conscious choice to lean toward hope. Where outside forces tempted her toward isolation, she reached outward to create a project that acknowledges pain while offering community and resilience in response.

“I wanted to feel fortified by friendships and to be in community with other musicians—to make something that pushed back against the isolation,” Rundle shares.

These Killing Times confronts questions of intention, systemic capitalism, the rise of Christian nationalism, and political discourse. Yet running alongside the anguish is love—acting as a balm, a tonic, and a means of escape.

Outside of her music discography, Rundle continues her work as an established visual artist and author, following the 2025 release of her debut poetry collection, The Bella Vista (Unnamed Press).

Fall Tour Dates Announced

Emma Ruth Rundle will hit the road this autumn for a full-band headlining tour across North America in support of These Killing Times, kicking off in November. Cinder Well will support all headlining dates.

The headlining run follows Rundle’s solo support tour alongside All Them Witches throughout October.

These Killing Times track list:
1 – Powerless
2 – God’s Picture
3 – Anvil
4 – Catherine Wheel
5 – Don’t Delay Heaven
6 – Enough
7 – Human Kindness
8 – Oceans of Time

1789751388

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

These Killing Times release date

Milwaukee Trio Snag Is One of Modern DIY Hardcore’s Most Unique Voices

Snag shares music video for new LP album opener ‘Unarrest Me.’ Photo: Samer Ghani, used with permission.

Heavy Emo with a Purpose: Milwaukee’s Snag Returns with All The Cages Holding Us Will One Day Turn To Dust

Since their formation in 2016, Milwaukee trio Snag has quietly carved out their own unique space in the DIY underground. They have quickly become a favorite of listeners hungry for emotional hardcore that delivers far more than just aimless chaos. (another side, 2026)

On All The Cages Holding Us Will One Day Turn To Dust—the band’s third LP and first for Deathwish Inc.—Snag continues to develop their signature brand of heavy emo, expanding melodically and texturally without losing an ounce of their edge.

Turning Inward: Personal Struggles and Physical Cages

While Snag’s lyrical approach has historically focused on broader, universal themes like climate anxiety and apocalyptic dread, All the Cages… shows the band looking inward. Many of the tracks draw heavily on the members’ personal experiences with chronic illness and mental health obstacles.

The central motif of cages weaves its way throughout the record. On the album opener, “Unarrest Me,” the cage is literal: a physical jail cell.

“The song is a POV of a wrongful arrest—the confusion, the panic, and the sheer inhuman reaction from the arrester. This song musically tells an eerie story within itself. It sets off on a journey and ends abruptly at its peak.”

— Samm Szymborski (Guitarist/Vocalist)

Bassist and vocalist Peter Murphy emphasizes the visual and thematic story behind the track’s music video:

“The concept for the video is ‘collective liberation through mutual aid.’ The symbols of zip ties and blindfolds against flashlights and sprints put a finer point on the idea that every free person can help free another person.”

Music as an Action Plan

From the very beginning, acting on their message has been central to Snag’s ethos. Their lyrics aren’t just art, they are invitations to active involvement.

  • The Self-Titled LP: Came packaged with a lyric sheet, a book of matches, and an envelope of seeds encouraging listeners to grow habitats for pollinators.
  • All the Cages…: Features a partnership with the Florida-based organization Wire of Hope. The record includes individually labeled envelopes addressed to inmates, inviting listeners to become prison pen pals.

“The logic that says a corporation can destroy the planet to extract profit from it systematically is the same basic logic that says humans can be systematically caged for profit,” Murphy explains.

“It’s probably safe to say every person who hears this album is a lot closer to being incarcerated than to being one of the billionaires that seek ever more control. We thought we could make that connection much more explicit with a homework assignment in the record insert—and hopefully foster friendship and connection as well.”

Expanding the Sonic Palette

The intentionality behind the band’s message extends directly into the music. Snag has always been far more than a mere throwback band, consciously pushing boundaries in a subgenre that often struggles to move past the influence of its forebearers.

All the Cages… recalls the dynamic, progressive energy of acts like Majority Rule, Welcome the Plague Year, and Kidcrash, while forging its own distinct path.

“We made a decision a long time ago to simply make the music that we like and to not try to fit into genre conventions. That decision gave us permission to try different instrumentation and stylistic approaches to songs, which resulted in a few unusual moments on this album.”

— Peter Murphy

A Decade of DIY Resilience

A decade into their existence, Snag remains one of the most unique and vital voices in modern DIY hardcore. The band members’ commitment is deeply personal, they need the music just as much as the music needs them. At its core, they simply haven’t grown bored with the artform that captured their imaginations as kids.

“When we started the band we were in some of the most depressive periods of our lives, and it offered an outlet, camaraderie, and hope. It hasn’t stopped since.”

— Wysocki

All The Cages Holding Us Will One Day Turn To Dust track list:

  1. Unarrest Me
  2. Debilitated
  3. Pray for Peace
  4. Suburn
  5. Juneberry
  6. Whisper
  7. Shelf Life
  8. Paris, WI
  9. Foam Cup, Pt 3
  10. Cages
  11. Cages (Reprise)

Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol Shares New Single ‘The Disappearing Man’ Ahead of New Album

Austin’s Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol. Photo: Chris Wilson, used with permission.

New Music: Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol Drop Melodic Sludge-Bomb “The Disappearing Man”

Austin’s favorite “doom wop” and heavy metal trio, Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol, is back with a brand new single: “The Disappearing Man.” (US/THEM Group, 2026)

The track comes as a fresh taste of their highly anticipated forthcoming album, CA$H GRAB. Formed in 2017 by Boston-area transplants Leo Lydon (lead vocals/guitar) and Sean St. Germain (drums), alongside Georgia native Aaron Metzdorf (bass/backing vocals), the band has spent years perfecting a wildly unique sonic lane.

With “The Disappearing Man,” they showcase an absolute mastery of heavy, hook-filled riffs and rhythms couched in an earworm melody that would make Green Album-era Weezer jealous.

Loud, Lean, and Relentlessly Catchy

The new single doubles down on the band’s signature blend of crushing riffs and off-kilter melody. It’s loud, lean, and balancing sludgy heaviness with an infectious groove that refuses to let go.

Beneath the wall of fuzz lies an undeniable melodic instinct, proving the band can deliver massive hooks without sacrificing an ounce of raw power. It’s a confident preview of an album that promises to push their self-proclaimed “big dumb riffs” philosophy even further. If this single is any indication, CA$H GRAB is shaping up to be their strongest release yet.

The Album Update: While CA$H GRAB is still in production—with official release details dropping at a later date—you can already stream the phenomenal run of singles leading up to it: “The Disappearing Man,” “Bough Down,” and “Peaches.”

Catch Them on the Road

RBBP just wrapped up a massive, highly successful 6-week headlining tour across North America, packing out rooms with multiple sold-out shows alongside fellow Austin punk-metal trio American Sharks.

If you missed that run, you’re in luck. The band recently announced they will be hitting the road again for Fall 2026 supporting the legendary Death From Above 1979.

Check out the full list of live dates below and secure your spots early!

👉 GET TICKETS FOR ALL SHOWS HERE

Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol: 2026 US Tour Dates

09/05 Cookeville, TN – Muddy Roots Music Festival
10/01 Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades *
10/02 Berkeley, CA – UC Theater *
10/03 Monterey, CA – Golden State Theatre *
10/04 San Luis Obispo, CA – Fremont Theater *
10/06 Ventura, CA – Ventura Music Hall *
10/08 Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco *
10/09 Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory OC *
10/10 San Diego, CA – The Observatory San Diego *
10/11 Tempe, AZ – The Marquee *
10/13 Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre *

  • w/ Death From Above 1979
Single artwork.

Smirk Announces New Album ‘Speculative Fiction,’ Shares New Single ‘Abide’

New album Speculative Fiction out July 3 via Smoking Room. Photo: another side

Track Premiere: Smirk Shares Melancholic New Single & Video “Abide” Ahead of New Album

Smirk has released the melancholic single and video “Abide” ahead of his highly anticipated new album, Speculative Fiction, due out July 3 on Smoking Room. Pre-order/pre-save here. (another side, 2026)

The indie-leaning track feels like a lost B-side from Surfer Rosa-era Pixies mixed with the twang of Gun Club and a solo straight out of the J Mascis playbook. Lyrically, the track slides right into the album’s overarching theme: abandoning longstanding ties for a fresh start and a new future on the horizon.

“‘Abide’ is based on an old British hymn that I reworked to be about the looming end of a long friendship. It’s about that slow drift where nothing really happens, but you can feel it fading and you aren’t trying to fix it.” — Nick Vicario, Smirk Mastermind

Unrest in the Suburbs: Facing the Past

Growing old sucks, but there comes a point in life when it becomes a necessity to ignore the pull to constantly wild out.

“When this band started in LA, it was a crazy time in my life,” Vicario admits. “I was crashing cars, doing drugs—I was doing horrible things and destroying my life.”

On Speculative Fiction, Vicario deals with a new twist on an age-old theme for punk rock: unrest in the suburbs. Instead of youthful rebellion, this version of unrest deals with looking back on past indiscretions and dealing with their repercussions—the disruption of the old life, settling into the new, and the reflection that comes with it. These thoughtful lyrics and themes, when paired with Vicario’s guitar-pop confection, make for a unique juxtaposition.

“When I was writing ‘Speculative Fiction’, a lot of that dealt with the ‘old me’ and some of the crazy life choices I made while abusing substances. So while the record is partially about the ‘old me,’ it’s also very much about putting them in my current world and the new set of problems that come from that.”

From Portland Hardcore to Solo Vision

Vicario has a deep history with punk rock. Growing up in Portland, Oregon, in the early 2000s, he was ingrained in the legendary scene that birthed Poison Idea and Wipers. He began playing in bands at an early age, hobnobbing with members of Tragedy and Criminal Damage in cover bands and even on the gridiron. At just 12 years old, his first band, The Diskords, were the toast of the Maximum Rock ‘n’ Roll illuminati, leading to several releases and having The Exploding Hearts take them under their wing.

His musical journey spans an impressive array of genres and projects:

  • Hardcore & Indie Pop: Playing in hardcore bands like Cower eventually led him to the indie pop outfit Wild Ones, who released two records across eight years (the latter landing on Topshelf Records).
  • Collaborations & Touring: Stints with Public Eye, Cemento, Crisis Man, and others, alongside touring with Surfer Blood and Dreamdecay.
  • The Birth of Smirk: Vicario eventually decided to focus his energies on his solo project, Smirk, dropping a self-titled album in 2021 and Material in 2022.

A New Sonic Blueprint

On Speculative Fiction, Vicario is restarting both personally and musically. Smirk is slowing things down, taking a more measured, power-pop approach that strays away from the speedy punk marking earlier releases. The result is decidedly more mid-paced, reflecting the works of Big Star and The Paul Collins Beat as much as early Stiff Records releases, all filtered through the DIY spirit of Guided by Voices.

Written entirely by Vicario, Speculative Fiction is Smirk’s third full-length album. To round out the record, he called upon a stellar cast of old friends and live bandmates, including:

  • Ross Farrar (Ceremony)
  • Max Smadja (RIXE)
  • Ryan Mangione-Smith (Advertisement)
  • Current members of Smirk’s live lineup (who play in Hotline TNT, Poison Ruin, and Pardoner)

Production Credits

  • Recording: Mainly recorded in Vicario’s home studio, with additional tracks captured by Ian Rose at Daisy Chain Studios in Brooklyn.
  • Mixing: Handled for the bulk of the record by Andy Oswald.

Life Imitates Art

With Speculative Fiction, life imitates art. Smirk slows things down, retools, and gets meticulous—making deliberate decisions with respect to songwriting, approach, and collaboration to execute a new vision.

The final result is a refined, focused, and less chaotic approach to punk with an eye on pop-sensibility. It perfectly mirrors Vicario’s new lifestyle: outside of the fast lane and behind a white picket fence.

Smirk’s new album Speculative Fiction arrives July 3 via Smoking Room. Stream the new single “Abide” now.

Speculative Fiction tracklist:

01 – Greetings
02 – Victimry
03 – Cheap Greed
04 – Going Off To Die
05 – Sistine Junk
06 – Dog Years
07 – I Shall Be Released
08 – Perfect World
09 – Abide
10 – Ritual Torture
11 – Interlude
12 – Shit Song
13 – Crime Pays

Photo: Emily Vicario

Choir Boy Teams Up With Producer Jorge Elbrecht for New Track ‘I’ll Always Let You Down’

Choir Boy L-R: Chaz Costello, Adam Klopp, Michael Paulsen, Jeff Kleinman
Photo: Kris Kirk, used with permission.

Ethereal Indie Darlings Choir Boy Triumphantly Return With New Single, “I’ll Always Let You Down”

Ethereal indie darlings Choir Boy have triumphantly returned with their brand-new single, “I’ll Always Let You Down,” produced by the legendary Jorge Elbrecht (Sky Ferreira, Japanese Breakfast). (another side, 2026)

Marking their first taste of new music since 2020, the track hit just in time for their support tour with AFI. The single is available now via Dais Records and is accompanied by a charmingly bizarre, self-directed animated music video.

Sensual, Sinister, Sardonic

“I’ll Always Let You Down” finds Choir Boy at the height of their powers, taking their nostalgia-laced, romantic dream pop to thrilling new depths. The track manages to sound simultaneously sensual and sinister, equal parts delight and sorrow.

Musically, drum machines shuffle over a dirty synth bass while bright bells blossom under the light of frontman Adam Klopp’s angelic vocals. When pressed to describe the deeper meaning behind the track, Klopp offers a grin:

“(I’ll Always) is an anti-love song—a sardonic self-indictment of a failing lover.”

Watch the official music video below:

“Just Say That We ‘Got Lost'”

“Triumphantly return?” Time is a notorious trickster, and the band is jovial when confronting the four-year gap since their last major release.

“Just say that we ‘Got Lost,'” they joke.

Over the past four years, Choir Boy hasn’t exactly been idle. They have continued making surrealist music videos, sharing avant-garde updates on social media, and playing live across North America and Europe. Yet, for their dedicated fanbase, the lack of new music has felt like an eternity.

“Tell everyone the delays are my fault,” Klopp asserts through laughter. “Blame everything on me.”

Following the end of their run with Provoker, Choir Boy’s momentum was at an all-time high. After kicking off 2026 with a series of one-off shows in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, a creative rebirth took place, leading directly to the recording of “I’ll Always Let You Down.”

The Jorge Elbrecht Connection

The final piece of the puzzle fell into place when the band tapped Jorge Elbrecht, a renowned songwriter and stalwart of Los Angeles’s underground music community, to produce the new single.

Together, the band and producer immediately clicked, finding a harmonious workflow and “a shared sense of humor about the bleakness.”

“In [the song’s] previous incarnation, before we were working with Jorge, there was something missing,” the band reflects. While producing the track, Elbrecht contributed fresh sounds and arrangements, encouraging the band to dive even deeper into the depths.

The result? A new day, carrying on right where they belong. Serendipitously, the themes of their upcoming music and the greater arc of Choir Boy are finally coming together.

Their ultimate takeaway? “Redemption.”

About Choir Boy

The Origin

“Choir Boy” was what kids called singer/songwriter Adam Klopp in his early teens when he fronted punk cover bands in Cleveland, Ohio. Though intended as an insult, the label seemed fitting given Klopp’s religious upbringing and angelic voice. After high school, Adam left Ohio for college in Utah. While his academic career was short-lived, he seamlessly integrated into Provo and Salt Lake City’s underground music and art scenes, left religion behind, and officially named his new project Choir Boy. (Dais Records, 2026)

The Evolution

Since their debut album, Passive With Desire, the dream-pop outfit has gained a massive cult following in underground circles. Choir Boy’s signature sound relies on a perfect blend of nostalgia-laced romantic pop music, brought to life by a stellar lineup:

  • Adam Klopp – Stunning vocal range, lyrics, and melodies
  • Chaz Costello – Bass (Fossil Arms, Sculpture Club, Human Leather)
  • Jeff Kleinman – Saxophone and Keyboards
  • Michael Paulsen – Guitar

“I’ll Always Let You Down” is out now on Dais Records.

Danny Griego’s ‘Angelina’ Hits New Heights on Billboard & Mediabase AC Charts

Texas-based country artist adds another chart milestone to a catalog forged alongside outlaw legends. Photo: InPerpetuity Entertainment

Danny Griego’s “Angelina” Skyrockets: A New Milestone for the Outlaw Country Artist

Nashville, Tenn. — Country singer-songwriter Danny Griego is reaching new heights as his latest single, “Angelina,” climbs to No. 24 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary (AC) chart and No. 13 on the Mediabase AC chart. (Aristo PR, 2026)

The track, a captivating blend of Latin, Americana, and Griego’s signature outlaw country influences, is rapidly gaining momentum across the airwaves.

A Steady Climb to the Top

Recorded at the legendary Dark Horse Studios in Franklin, Tennessee, “Angelina” was co-written by Griego alongside Jerry Crutchfield and Mark Nessler. Since its AC chart debut on April 4, the track has seen a steady rise, fueled by heavy rotation on 28 Mediabase AC stations.

Key markets showing major support (with over 50 spins each) include:

  • Huntsville & Phoenix
  • Omaha & Tucson
  • Reno & Atlantic City
  • Nassau, Bridgeport, and Johnson City

This Top 25 placement adds to Griego’s impressive Billboard résumé, which already includes recognition as a Top 10 Billboard recording artist.

The Story Behind the Song

“Angelina” is more than just a chart-topper; it is a haunting, emotionally driven ballad that explores the ripple effects of heartbreak.

“‘Angelina’ is a song that’s always felt personal to me,” says Griego. “I’ve often wondered if Angelina would be the love of my life.”

The song tells the story of a woman shaped by the early loss of her father, a wound that leads her to build walls and move through relationships, leaving a trail of broken hearts in her wake to protect her own.

Music with a Mission: Freedom Horse Ranch

Beyond his musical achievements, Griego is deeply committed to service. He is the owner and operator of Freedom Horse Ranch, a 501(c)(3) organization in Weatherford, Texas.

The ranch is dedicated to helping:

  • Veterans & First Responders
  • Individuals with physical or cognitive challenges
  • Those seeking emotional recovery

Through therapeutic equine-assisted activities and outdoor experiences, the ranch provides a sanctuary for healing, confidence-building, and growth.

A Voice for Veterans

Griego’s advocacy for the military is a cornerstone of his career. He frequently performs at military bases and has released powerful tracks like “Lady Liberty” and “Twenty-Two” (a collaboration with K.P. Fitz highlighting the Veteran suicide epidemic).

About Danny Griego

Born in Arizona and based in Texas, Danny Griego’s sound is a rich tapestry of outlaw, cowboy, and Latin influences. His journey is one of incredible resilience: after surviving a lightning strike during his college years, he taught himself to fingerpick on his grandfather’s nylon-string guitar as part of his rehabilitation.

Notable Discography:

  • Destination (2007)
  • Cowboys, Outlaws & Border Town Dogs (2014)
  • 22 (2018)
  • “You Never Stop Loving Somebody” (2019)
  • “Angelina” (2024/2026)

With a full slate of touring and new music on the horizon, Danny Griego continues to prove why he is one of the most authentic voices in modern Americana.

Bill Scorzari Announces New Album ‘Sidereal Days (Day 2)’ and New Single

‘Open Door’ is the newest single from his new album Sidereal Days (Day 2). Photo: Neilson Hubbard, used with permission.

Related Post: Bill Scorzari’s Sidereal Days (Day 1) is a Soulful Journey Across Time and Truth

New Single Alert: Bill Scorzari Opens the Door to “Sidereal Days (Day 2)”

HUNTINGTON, NY — Singer-songwriter and recording artist Bill Scorzari has officially unveiled “Open Door,” the third track from his highly anticipated sixth studio album, Sidereal Days (Day 2). (Dreamspider Publicity, 2026)

Scheduled for a full release on September 25, 2026, the new single is available to stream now. “Open Door” is an upbeat, folky love song that leans into traditional acoustic instrumentation, featuring a warm vocal duet between Scorzari and Megan McCormick.

The Inspiration Behind “Open Door”

Grounded in a sense of innocence and simplicity, the lyrics for “Open Door” began forming as far back as the early spring of 2013. Scorzari’s writing process is famously observational; he draws from a mosaic of life experiences, including:

  • Overheard conversations and personal memories.
  • The tactile imagery of melting snow or a coiled telephone cord.
  • Dreams, news stories, and literature.

By weaving these disparate threads together, Scorzari creates a cohesive narrative that feels intimate yet universal.

Single Art. Courtesy photo.

Catch Up on the Singles

If you haven’t started your journey through Sidereal Days (Day 2) yet, two other singles are currently streaming:

  • “I Stayed” – A stunning love-lost ballad featuring Scorzari’s lead vocals and acoustic guitar, accompanied by Erin Rae on harmony and the legendary “Shoals Sisters” (Marie Lewey and Cindy Richardson Walker).
  • “That’s A Good Thing” – A tender Americana roots track. At just 3 minutes and 14 seconds, it serves as a light, upbeat counterpoint to the album’s longer, more atmospheric compositions.

Completing the “Sidereal Days” Duology

Sidereal Days (Day 2) serves as the second half of a massive double-album project. Its predecessor, Day 1 (released October 17, 2025), received significant critical acclaim:

“Bill Scorzari possesses an ‘amorous vulnerability’…” — Robert Christgau, Consumer Guide (Grade: A)

The album also earned the #11 spot on Tom Hull’s “Best Non-Jazz Albums of 2025.” Across the 11 tracks on Day 2, Scorzari continues his exploration of interconnectedness, often presenting his lyrics as a lived-in conversation with the listener.

Album Art. Courtesy photo.

The Studio Band

To bring this vision to life, Scorzari collaborated with an elite group of musicians:

  • Bill Scorzari: Lead/harmony vocals, guitars, mandolin, banjo
  • Brad Talley: Dobro
  • Chelsea McGough: Cello
  • The Shoals Sisters (Cindy Richardson Walker & Marie Lewey): Backing vocals
  • Danny Mitchell: Piano, Hammond B3, flugelhorn, trumpet
  • Eamon McLoughlin: Violin/fiddle
  • Erin Rae & Megan McCormick: Harmony vocals
  • Joshua Britt: Mandolin, mandola
  • Juan Solorzano: Electric/pedal steel/baritone guitars, ganjo
  • Michael Rinne: Upright and electric bass
  • Neilson Hubbard: Drums and percussion

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Releases

Four additional singles will be released in the lead-up to the September 25th album launch:

  1. “I Think It’s Gonna Rain” – A haunting, cinematic piece written during a Florida thunderstorm.
  2. “I Know You Know” – An upbeat traveling song exploring the deep intuition of long-term relationships.
  3. “Middle Class Middle Child” – The album’s longest track (6:30), blending semi-autobiographical sentiments with emotional storytelling.
  4. “Sandcastles Waiting” – A melody-driven track years in the making, finalized during the 2024 recording sessions.

Listen to the latest singles on all major streaming platforms today.

1790439695

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

Sidereal Days (Day 2) release date