Upcoming Releases

Pedigreed scene vets Rad Owl (ex-Samiam, Gratitude, The Stereo, etc.) are set to return with a predatory vengeance on their sophomore LP, Rage Gracefully, arriving May 31 via Sell The Heart Records (U.S.) and Engineer Records (EU/U.K.). The album title is a cheeky nod to the seasoned Minneapolis, Minnestota-based quartet’s quest to continue to level up as high-octane musicians and songwriters and maintain their plucky punk ethos, even in the unforgiving and often cynical face of middle age.

Self-deprecation and Midwestern humility aside, Rage Gracefully swings for the fences with all the confidence of a well-oiled machine and promises to connect hard with fans of legends like Descendents, Propagandhi, Samiam, Hot Water Music, and even Iron Maiden. Backed by punchy and pristine production, Rad Owl’s airtight and energetic melodic punk rock finds a new gear over the course of 12 fresh tracks that boast layers of nuanced harmonies, and heightened emotional urgency.

New arrival Ryan Tate elevates the band’s sound via lead guitar lines that soar with both technical precision and uncanny musicality. The foundation of Jeremy Bergo and David Jarnstrom flex their pummeling, “ALL-ular” bass and drums connection (further bolstered by the duo’s recent service as fellow Descendents devotee Jon Snodgrass’ touring rhythm section), while frontman Jeremy Jessen delivers shreddy riffs and powerful, vocal melodies that result in instant earworms, yet manage to never sound stock.