Velocity Records bands we’re excited about

Dead American

We’re glad to have Cove Reber back behind the microphone in Dead American. Of course known for replacing Anthony Green as Saosin’s vocalist for a time, his role was seminal in their fantastic self-titled album. In the years since, Green resumed his role as singer and the moment was frankly bittersweet. Seeing Cove back not only brought a smile to our faces, but blew us away as their 2018 EP, The Shape of Punk is Dumb, contained some of the filthiest riffs that, juxtaposed against the clarity of his voice, has us excited for their next steps. Now signed to Velocity Records, we hope to see more of the sharp lyricism, super dynamic melodies and Cove’s ability to dip into ferocious growls one moment and soar on the highest notes the next in whatever they produce from here on out. If you’re big on Saosin (doh) and Ghost Atlas, you might want to get hyped too.

Words by RENETTE VAN DER MERWE

SCARY KIDS SCARING KIDS

And speaking of Cove; after over a decade away Scary Kids Scaring Kids enlisted Reber as vocalist last year when they played the anniversary set of their 2005 debut The City Sleeps in Flames. Having sadly lost Tyson Stevens back in 2014, it’s still uncertain if Cove will be stepping in permanently, even as they (hopefully) record new material, but regardless, we’re anxious to see what’s next for SKSK. Their much-loved debut remains a pinnacle of early 2000s post-hardcore and we can only hope that the intensity of their discography continues on. A Static Lullaby, Senses Fail and Greeley Estates fans can get excited about this one. 

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Oh, don’t mind us, we’re just reliving the noughties real quick. <3

 Words by RENETTE VAN DER MERWE

THURSDAY

There’s a considerable amount of history where New Jersey’s post-hardcore six-piece, Thursday are concerned. With six albums spanning more than two decades, a break-up in 2013, and a subsequent reunion three years later, Thursday are considered one of the most influential acts within the post- hardcore scene. Their sound is a harsh, boisterous, yet faithful testament to the genre they’ve helped shape over time. Thursday were confirmed in the first wave of acts to perform at Chicago’s Riot Fest in Douglass Park for September 2021, joined by the likes of My Chemical Romance, The All-American Rejects, and The Smashing Pumpkins, (pandemic problems pending). Plus, the band recently announced the release of reissued deep cuts and two special live albums. While it’s hard to choose from such a distinguished catalog of work, 2009’s Common Existence is a good starting point.

 Words by MATT BAILEY

NO DEVOTION

Fans of alt-rock ensemble No Devotion will be excited to hear that after the end of their hiatus in 2019 they will finally be releasing a highly anticipated second album through Velocity Records. Following their 2015 album Permanence, which has strong influences from Joy Division and The Cure, supporters have been left to thirst for more. With band members that were formerly part of Lostprophets, and vocalist Geoff Rickly from Thursday, No Devotion is a group of seasoned musicians who know how to make a killer record. This is only confirmed during their announcement of their Velocity Records signing and full return via their Instagram page, as they claimed that they “have made the defining record of [their] careers”.

Words by SIMONE BARTON

GLASSLANDS

Glasslands’ sound is a flawless fusion of melodic vocals and metalcore energy, encapsulated best by their 2016 effort Pariah, ideal for those fond of Red or Asking Alexandria’s later discography. As a former member of Icon For Fire, Josh Kincheloe pursued a new path in the industry, teaming up with Brandon Mullins, (Beartooth), and Jordan DiSorbo, (Before Their Eyes), to make their mark on the metalcore scene in a different way. Last year, the Nashville outfit released the Basement Sessions EP, a compilation of three uniquely acoustic versions to ‘Soul Without A Home’ and ‘Deadman’, lifted from Pariah, and an earlier 2019 single, ‘Silent Prey’. The EP demonstrates their ability to bring home a big sound with a minimal amount of elements. While they’ve yet to announce a follow-up album, this certainly isn’t the last we’ve heard from them, following a new record deal with Velocity. To pique your musical palette, take a listen to the rampant ‘Misery Game’.

 Words by MATT BAILEY

SECRETS

Some of you reading this may not be complete strangers to the artists on this list, however hardcore band Secrets may ring even more bells. Their 2012 cover of Gym Class Heroes’ ‘Ass Back Home’ from Pop Goes Punk Vol.5 currently has over 10 million streams on Spotify, which many of us had on repeat in our teen years. Since then Secrets have achieved success in their own right, creating a sound that seamlessly melds together clean and unclean vocals, with the heavy breakdowns that post-hardcore is notorious for. Their recent single ‘Hold On’ symbolises a new journey for the band, by paying tribute to vocalist Aaron Melzer, who sadly passed in 2020. If you’re a fan of bands such as Woe, Is Me and Miss May I, and also like the sound of pop-punk-esque vocals you won’t want to miss out on Secrets’ upcoming projects.

Words by SIMONE BARTON

THE VILLA

The Villa might only officially have two songs out in the world, but it’s not surprising that they already got scooped by Velocity. Another return to music is for Michael Bohn who you’ll recognise from Issues and Woe Is Me as he now takes his stand behind the microphone for The Villa. The band in an interview with us spoke about their combined experience and not being worried “about being perfect or writing the perfect song” but they come pretty close with their current singles ‘Turning Point’ and ‘Ritual Abuse’. Pretty different from each other – ‘Turning Point’ being a disruptive rock track with this wonderful soaring chorus and ‘Ritual Abuse’ edging closer to nu metal vibe – they still manage to make them cohesive. Brilliant at melody, seamlessly weaving electronic touches into their sound whilst staying grounded in the post-hardcore realm, they feel fresh and that makes us very curious to see how they mix it up with new material.

Words by RENETTE VAN DER MERWE

D.R.U.G.S

Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows (or D.R.U.G.S for short) came to life in 2010 with Choidos’ Craig Owens behind the mic. A self-titled album followed a year later, released on Sire and Decaydance. The debut album is a frantic one, stuffed with weighty riffs, a drummer going nuts on his kick pedals, all the while showcasing a unit that by the sounds of things, really like what they do for a living. If you’re new to the band and looking for an icebreaker, the opening track, ‘If You Think This Song Is About You, It Probably Is’, perfectly captures the frenetic essence of this band. Now having signed to Velocity Records, we’re not sure if this’ll be a solo project for Owens or another supergroup made up of different members, but we do know a new album is coming this year, so get excited. 

Words by MATT BAILEY

AND SO I WATCH YOU FROM AFAR

And So I Watch You From Afar are a unique band on this list, as they are purely instrumental, with the odd harmonising vocals. If you are a fan of bands like Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, or simply a fan of long road trips you will want to check out the ASIWYFA, as they provide a hypnotising soundtrack perfect for the upcoming spring and summer months. With their latest full-length record being a live album, titled ASIWYA Live 10 Year Anniversary, and the majority of their music videos being live sessions or performances; it’s clear that this band is one that thrives on doing their thing live. Alongside checking out their current discography, and any future releases through Velocity Records, the Irish quartet are must-sees when live music is able to make a return as their haunting style feels like the atmosphere of being at a festival like Reading and Leeds . 

 Words by SIMONE BARTON