Release Roundup: May 5th
Featuring Johnny Booth, Mudrat, Béton Armé, and more.
ERRONEOUS BOTCH:
Fresh off their sold-out supporting run for F.O.T.S. Thornhill last month, we were stoked to have the boys from Naarm/Melbourne bruisers MELTING on the pod.
Mastermind, six-stringer and “creative visionary” Alex Bertuna gives us the lowdown on how the project came about, evolving from “demo jail” riff ideas into the fully-fledged metalcore barnburners found on the quartet’s upcoming debut EP, You Exist Because We Allow It (out now through Greyscale Records).
Drummer Johnny Foti talks about his love for heavy music, playing in punk bands, the catharsis of live shows, and following his desire to play more extreme music. Check it out below:
SIDE A:
A curated selection of cool shit for you to listen to.
Mudrat – “YOU DON’T CARE ABOUT POOR PEOPLE”
With our recent Australian election results all but confirmed as of writing (suck shit, Dutton, you Voldemort-looking dog), it’s about time for some class consciousness-raising. Fusing their love for punk, metal, and hip-hop, Naarm/Melbourne provocateur MUDRAT has delivered a fiery screed aimed squarely at the 1%: “YOU DON’T CARE ABOUT POOR PEOPLE.”
The track acts out an “unlikely hero’s journey and presents a satirical conversation between MUDRAT and a mysterious bartender,” taking aim at toxic masculine tropes, inner-city gentrification, and the exclusivity of white feminism. Watch the video below:
Armlock – Strobe
Last year saw the release of Seashell Angel Lucky Charm, the debut full-length from Naarm/Melb slowcore sensation ARMLOCK for Run For Cover Records. After heavy touring across the UK, Europe, North America and at home, the Aussie duo are back with their first piece of new music, a jubilant cut titled “Strobe.” On the single’s release, the band states:
“‘Strobe’ is about cherishing the small, grounding moments amidst life’s chaos and challenges. It’s a reflection on commitments—both to others and to oneself—framed by a sense of cyclical motion, resilience, and the urge to return to what matters most.”
Stream the track in full here (Bandcamp/Spotify).
Talk Heavy – “Die 4 U”
Keeping things local still, Australia has a new home for sad punk bangers. Ninth Life Records was founded by Joshua Merriel (Greyscale Records; Triple J’s Short.Fast.Loud) and his partner Tayla Ellerby.
The label’s first signing is Brisbane/Meanjin outfit TALK HEAVY (which also features Ellerby on bass), who dropped their latest single, “Die 4 U,” to celebrate the announcement. The track is a playful homage to pop-punk staples like Blink-182 and Motion City Soundtrack, self-recorded and self-produced by vocalist and guitarist Matt Cochran, with mastering by the legendary Will Yip (Movements, Scowl, L.S. Dunes). Watch the video for “Die 4 U” below:
Béton Armé – Renaissance
BÉTON ARMÉ’s Second Souffle EP was one of my favourite releases of 2023. Last year, I finally got to see the Montreal crew in action, and it was fucking unreal. Real-deal, living proof that “good punk makes you feel invincible.”
The band have recently announced the upcoming release of their debut full-length, Renaissance, out on June 13th through La Vida Es Un Mus Discos, and it’s already one of my most anticipated albums of the year. According to the group’s Bandcamp bio, their new record:
“Borrows from sounds outside the subculture, orchestrating harmonies to unite the punks, skins and moshers… However, on this LP, there is a subtle influence of early American hardcore bands, adding more stomping rhythms and upping the pace of the songs.”
Stream the LP’s pre-release single/s here (Bandcamp/Spotify).
Johnny Booth – “Get Well Soon”
Speaking of 2023 and standout releases, New York pit-starters JOHNNY BOOTH are following up their phenomenal Moments Elsewhere LP with a new rager. “Get Well Soon” is the band’s first new music in two years, and guitarist Adam Halpern also directed the accompanying video.
It’s another stupid heavy cut from the quintet, proving their restless creative vision yields seductive hooks and crushing aggression in equal measure. There simply isn’t anyone doing modern metalcore on this level, and it’s time for everyone else to put some respect on the Booth. Watch the video for “Get Well Soon” below:
SIDE B & FEATURE ALBUM:
My Side B write-ups on TURNSTILE, LOATHE, DEADGUY, and SLUNG are available now on the TPD Patreon. So please consider becoming a Friend of the Show (for just $3 USD/$5 AUD per month).
You can join our alternative music community, access our existing bonus content, and send me a mildly threatening chat message with some new music you like. I’m deadly serious about this. I want your recommendations!!