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Edmonton’s pop-punk powerhouse Real Sickies are set to release their fifth full-length album, Under a Plastic Bag, on March 14, 2025, via Stomp Records. The album’s second advance single, “Should've Seen It Coming,” is out now, showcasing the band’s ability to balance raw punk energy with experimental new sonic textures. Known for their relentless touring and infectious anthems, Real Sickies have cemented their status as a standout act in the global punk scene, with even Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day calling them his favorite Canadian punk band.
“Should've Seen It Coming” captures the chaos and self-awareness that define much of the upcoming album. Reflecting on the track, singer Ben Disaster explains, “It’s about patterns, not being able to accept consequences, or finally coming to. There’s not much more meaning to it other than just smashing one’s own teeth with a microphone. Musically it explores some new emotions. Maybe. Hindsight right?” The accompanying video, directed by Tyler Hall, mirrors the song’s frenetic energy. Shot in a small, unheated garage during a brutal –20°C winter day, the video embraces a stripped-down, DIY aesthetic. “It was really fun,” Ben recalls. “When I was asked what the video was about, I said, ‘I don’t know, it’s punk at least.’” The accompanying video was filmed and edited by Ty Alexander H. and special effects and visuals were done by Molly McKeen.
This album signals a fresh direction for the Real Sickies, exploring a mix of new wave, power pop, and indie rock influences. Renowned producer Josh Wells (Autogramm, Destroyer) brought his expertise to the project, shaping its sound with precision and a knack for authenticity. Wells employed classic recording gear to highlight the nuances of these genres, infusing the tracks with vibrant textures and catchy power pop hooks. Describing the sound of “Should've Seen It Coming,” Wells said, “Short sharp blasts of staccato noise discovered in Devo’s warehouse of unused sounds. Yelling regrets into a giant chasm. The bridge features a short detour into synth pop, blinding guitar strobe, and evil genius rant in the background.” His vision for the track captures its frenetic energy while threading it seamlessly into the album’s broader dynamic and immersive soundscape.
Under a Plastic Bag channels the spirit of punk’s golden age while embracing a modern, genre-blending sound. Tracks like “Triage,” “Wild Imagination,” and “Should've Seen It Coming” showcase the band’s evolution, merging their signature high-energy pop-punk with elements of power pop, new wave, and indie rock. The album is laced with sharp melodic sophistication, drawing influence from bands like The Ramones, Gob, and The Copyrights, while also nodding to the experimental sounds of Devo and The Sound. Written between whirlwind tours, late-night demos, and chaotic live performances, the album brims with anthems that will resonate just as much in packed punk venues as on alternative FM radio. Under a Plastic Bag is poised to make a lasting impact on the indie and underground music landscape with its versatile and dynamic performances and production. Fans can look forward to digital releases and limited-edition solid white and cloudy skies blue vinyl LPs, ensuring the album finds its place in both playlists and record collections worldwide.
