A band who have emerged from Brisbane's DIY punk scene the last couple of years, Ipswich (Tulmur) natives The Distained's newest release, 'Promise', showcases a confident group.
With heightened production, deeper lyricism, and textured musical complexity, 'Promise' is akin to a Black Flag meets Dropkick Murphys' lovechild.
Lyrically, the song captures the tension between loyalty and opportunism, revealing the impact these friendships can leave behind.
A blistering guitar riff brings instantaneous energy that raises horns with punchy, pulsating drums joining the sonic skirmish, the rhythm straight into a gallop as quick-fire vocals ratchet up the thrash levels.
It's a bruising intro that punk, hardcore thrashers will get behind, ideal to throw yourself against other human walls, the cathartic juices overflowing with a menacing joy.
When the first guitar solo unleashes, your neck muscles will be required, the doom-thrashing intense, a marauding spirit a tangible sensation.
The melodic breakdown offers a candescent respite before the meandering guitar lick builds speed into a searing utopia, the rhythm section tangling itself around your spirit, before a final aural assault leaves you dazed in the best possible way, and maybe a bloodied nose if you're emerging from the mosh pit!
"The lyrical content of the song was inspired by the universal human experience of dealing with shallow or selfish individuals," singer Levi Podlich says.
With 'Promise' released tomorrow (8 May), today scenestr is stoked to premiere the song. Enjoy.
"When writing the music, the band really wanted to incorporate the voice of a crowd into the song's performance," adds Levi, "reinforcing the idea this is a universal experience, and the listener is not alone.
"We are all 'The Distained' and we are here for each other. The voice of the crowd was incorporated in the song's choruses via the exaggerated gang vocals, emphasising the phrases 'hey!' and 'your loyalty broke'."
A band who have zero need for gimmicks or posturing, The Distained instead focus on raw, unfiltered emotion, their music built for movement, connection, and loud rooms. IYKYK.
"We honestly don't have any overly funny stories regarding the recording process," admits Levi.
"As a band we really wanted to knuckle down and ensure we nail this song as we want to take the quality of our music to the next level.
"We feel the world really helped us get the vibe right as there was a huge storm over the area of our studio while we were recording the song. This really set the tone for the recording sessions."
A band who have fostered their following with a live reputation, The Distained have a number of upcoming shows.
"We are supporting the legendary American punk band Murphy's Law on the Brisbane leg of their upcoming Australian tour [23 May] at The Brightside.
"We are also debuting the song live [12 June] at Greaser Bar during our 'Promise' single launch, featuring Palinola, Granzella, and Dedway as support bands."
Before signing off, Levi adds: "We'd like to promote supporting your friends and uplift positivity during the hard times we are facing within the current state of the world, and at all times."
