Santa Cruz hardcore heroes Scowl have returned. The band have announced their sophomore album, Are We All Angels will be dropping April 4 via Dead Oceans.
This is a moment. A huge moment, actually. This is not only their second full-length but their first release on a label whose roster also includes Phoebe Bridgers and Mitski. Judging by the vibe of the new single, Scowl are breaking new ground here.
The lead single, “Not Hell, Not Heaven,” dropped with a raw, no-frills video directed by Sean Stout. Filmed at the legendary 924 Gilman Street, it’s a nod to their roots. For an additional piece of Scowl trivia, Gilman Street is actually the venue where three members of Scowl first met.
Front woman Kat Moss described the track as a deeply personal anthem about reclaiming power. “It’s about feeling victimised and being a victim, but not wanting to identify with being a victim,” she explained. “It’s trying to find grace in the fact that I have my power. I live in my reality. You have to deal with whatever you’re dealing with, and it ain’t working for me.”
Produced by Will Yip, Are We All Angels finds Scowl leaning into melody and emotion without losing their hardcore edge. Tracks like “Not Hell, Not Heaven” and the previously released “Special” demonstrate hints of pop-punk and alt-rock influences woven into their sound. Overall though, the album looks poised to continue the band’s steady rise.
If this is what Are We All Angels has in store, April 4 can’t come soon enough. Scowl is proving yet again that they’re one of the most exciting acts in hardcore right now. While no Australian tour dates have been set for the Santa Cruz band, we will keep you well informed if they are. In the meantime, please enjoy the music.
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