Seattle punk rock 'n rollers The Drowns release their most definitive political statement till date on their fourth album, "Harsh Reality," out September 18 on Pirates Press Records. Produced by Bill Stevenson (Descendents, Black Flag) at The Blasting Room and mixed by Jason Livermore, "Harsh Reality" sharpens the band's unique blend of street-punk fuel, anthemic melodies and working-class spirit to 13 hyper-focused tracks.
The album starts with "Always a Bastard" and it sets the tone with the lyrics: "You are always a bastard and you die that way". Leadoff single "Relentless" might be The Drowns' hardest-hitting track yet – it seems an unvarnished broadside against capitalist drag and an anthem for the working class. Rev delivers brutally powerful vocals on this track. The following track, "Hellish Tattoo," is packed with melody and showcases a great vocal performance from Andy Wylie. "Let’s Start a Cult" has an absolutely killer guitar solo that completely elevates the track for me - I’m a total sucker for a great solo like that.
Meanwhile, "Have a Heart" finds the boys trading rage for a bit more empathy, and "Vengeance" is fueled by fiery solos from Rise Against's Zach Blair.
"3rd & Pike" provides a briefly unexpected accordion solo from Matt Hensley of Flogging Molly and A100s while never derailing the album's unstoppable momentum.
"We made a really aggressive record, and I think 'Harsh Reality' reflects that," vocalist Rev Peters told me after a concert in Drachten Friesland. And after listening to the album I agree. This album perfectly captures the attitude they bring to the stage.
Offstage, they are just real, unpretentious guys, a quality that elevates the political aspects of their work beyond the performative. "Harsh Reality" polishes The Drowns into a even sharper, tougher, and more vital force. Play this one loud!
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