Listen to RIP ROOM
Even if you’ve never heard them, this Californian trio might not need an introduction. First of all, Rip Room have steadily grown their profile since forming in 2015, toured hard, and released two EPs already. And second of all, if you don’t recognise the name, you should definitely recognise the sound. Rip Room play stark, smart, arty and energised punk rock like its the 1990s all over again. I hear grungy noise, new wave pop, and the influence of the Dischord Records roster all rolling around in the mix.
If you’re still not sure what to expect, let vocalist and bassist Sarah McKinney explain, “Our subject matter is pretty heavy, but the execution is sometimes a bit more lighthearted and dance-y which I think balances it out well. Our sound was once described as ‘dance music for people who don’t like to dance,’ which I don’t agree with — I’d say it’s ‘dance music for people who like to dance but are also bummed out’.”
‘Alight and Resound’ is due out in May on Spartan Records, but you can get a taste of it now by clicking play on the video below.
For fans of Fugazi, Devo, Sleater-Kinney, and punk rock that couldn’t care less about being punk rock.