Post-hardcore band Drug Church drop their fifth studio album today. PRUDE is an electrifying 28-minute record full of bangers, with a blend of punk rock, post-hardcore and alternative rock. It’s short and sweet, with each track packing a punch. Drug Church’s sound has evolved over the last thirteen years, and I’m confident that PRUDE is their best work yet.
“Mad Care” opens the record with dissonant guitar feedback before bursting into an energetic verse with shouty vocals. This track is high energy but maintains a loose, unpolished feel which gives it character.
Following that, “Myopic” keeps the energy up, with a playful guitar riff. Lyrically, the song is loaded with biting cynicism, casting a sharp glance at life’s deceits with lines like, “Ever been to a county fair / Where all the games are scams / Now apply what you know / To all the things you don’t.” The lyrics are full of dark humour, critiquing society and personal relationships in a way that feels both relatable and cutting.
Tracks like “Hey Listen” and “Demolition Man” venture further into more melodic territory while staying grounded in the band’s gritty aesthetic. The grungy, distorted guitars complement the vocals, adding an extra layer of depth to the album’s middle section. These songs feel like a bridge between the band’s punk roots and their more experimental tendencies, showcasing their versatility without losing the edge that fans have come to expect.
“Business Ethics” slows things down slightly and introduces a cleaner vocal delivery that stands out against the backdrop of the more raucous tracks. The song opens with vivid storytelling, painting a bleak yet compelling narrative: “My cousin had an idea / He needed money for drugs / He went missing for days / Called his mom please pay.” It’s an oddball track, but it works because it doesn’t try too hard to conform—its peculiarity is part of its appeal.
“Slide 2 Me” leans into early 2000s rock influences, both vocally and instrumentally, without losing the band’s signature bite. It’s not the heaviest song on the record, but it maintains the album’s momentum, offering a more nostalgic sound while keeping the energy intact. Drug Church’s knack for literal, almost blunt, storytelling shines through again here, adding an interesting contrast to the album’s more abstract moments.
As the album progresses, tracks like “Chow” and “The Bitters” delve into different sonic territories. “Chow” feels like a reflection on authenticity, with lyrics such as “I laugh when my body tells me / I cry when my brain compels me / So I won’t fake I’m sorry” resonating over jangly, new-wave-inspired guitars. Meanwhile, “The Bitters” offers a slightly more upbeat take on that same sound, giving a fresh lift to the latter half of the record.
One of the standout moments is “Yankee Trails,” a track that strips back some of the aggression for a more emotional and vulnerable delivery. The vocals here are especially striking, showcasing a raw emotiveness that contrasts beautifully with the understated instrumentation. It’s a deeply affecting song that highlights the band’s ability to balance power with subtlety.
The album closes with “Peer Review,” which brings everything full circle with its swelling chorus and dynamic build-up. The final track encapsulates the spirit of the record perfectly, wrapping things up in a way that feels both satisfying and complete.
PRUDE is a brilliantly concise album that doesn’t waste a second. Each track stands out in its own right, contributing to a cohesive yet diverse collection of songs that showcases Drug Church at their best. With their unique blend of genres and an unapologetic approach to songwriting, this album reaffirms the band’s place in the post-hardcore scene and pushes their sound forward in exciting ways. PRUDE is a must-listen, marking a new high point in Drug Church’s impressive discography.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
PRUDE from Drug Church is out now. You can grab a copy of it HERE, or listen to it in Spotify or Apple Music
