Interviews
Bad Moves

'Wearing Out The Refrain' with David Combs and Katie Park of Bad Moves

Last month, Washington, DC-based punky power pop band Bad Moves released their third album Wearing Out The Refrain. The band’s expert use of repetition is on full display as they deftly explore feelings of existential dread, isolation, rage, and hope with imagery-laden lyrics that will make you feel like you’re being swept along by their current. The bright, upbeat instrumentation and wonderful collaborative vocals drive home the point that while things might be bad, nothing is ever hopeless especially with your friends by your side. Wearing Out the Refrain is available now via Don Giovanni Records. Bad Moves will be playing the Black Cat with Velocity Girl and Outer Worlds on November 23.

Punknews editor Em Moore caught up with guitarists and vocalists David Combs and Katie Park to talk about the new album, finding catharsis through songwriting, incorporating lyrics from The Bananas into "A Lapse In The Emptiness", wearing dog cones for the “Outta My Head” video, and so much more. Read the interview below!

This interview between Em Moore, David Combs, and Katie Park took place over Zoom in October 2024. What follows is a transcription of their conversation and has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

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Toys That Kill

Toys that Kill release rarities album

Toys that Kill have released a rarities album. It's called Ex​-​Posse Vol​.​1 and it's out via TTK frontman Todd C's own label- Recess Records. The digital version is out now, which you can hear below, and the physical vinyl is out Friday.

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The Distillers

Distillers drop off When We Were Young Fest, following All American Rejects departure

Distillers have dropped off When We Were Young Festival. The band did not give a reason, but did offer guest spots to future shows anyone who bought a ticket and wanted to see the band. This follows All American Rejects also dropping off the same festival/ In that announcement, AAR stated: "We have spent months tirelessly preparing a once in a lifetime show that we were so excited to bring to you. However, there has been a management change within the WWWY operation, and they are no longer able to accommodate us in the previously agreed upon line-up, which has made it impossible for us to continue."

We will keep you updated if anything else develops.

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Dead Betties

Watch the new video by The Dead Betties!

Today we are thrilled to bring you the premiere of the new video by The Dead Betties! It is for their new song “Computer Lover” and was directed by lead singer and bassist Joshua Ackley. Speaking about the song, the band said,

"Our modern relationship with technology has not only commodified love but has also numbed us to the very concept of meaningful human connection. ‘Computer Lover’ captures the bleak reality of modern intimacy, particularly within hookup culture, where connections are increasingly transactional, shallow, and digital. This song shines a spotlight on the emotional desolation that arises from a culture dominated by screens. In a world where love and intimacy are reduced to images, videos, and fleeting encounters on social media and dating apps, it becomes difficult to form deep human bonds. We are constantly surrounded by devices—swiping, scrolling, liking—and in doing so, we substitute superficial interactions for meaningful engagement.”

”Computer Lover” is off the Dead Betties’ upcoming album Impossible Future which will be out on October 18 via Rotten Princess Records. Watch the video below!

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Interviews
Abraxas Reflux

Talking all things 'Rotten' with Abraxas Reflux

Toronto-based hardcore punk band Abraxas Reflux are just days away from releasing their outstanding second EP Rotten. Throughout four tracks the band tackles identity, examines relationships, and explores isolation with lyrics that are both poetic and visceral backed by killer riffs and excellent drum fills. Rotten will be out everywhere on October 19 via Tarantula Tapes. Abraxas Reflux will be playing Tarantula Tapes' fourth-anniversary show this weekend.

Through the magic of the internet, Punknews editor Em Moore caught up with vocalists and drummers Krista and Chase, guitarist Al, and bassist Felis to talk about the new EP, working with Tarantula Tapes, songwriting, incorporating movie clips into songs, and so much more. Read the interview below!

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