Released on October 18th via Greenway Records, the single solidifies the Queens-based quintet’s reputation for crafting high-energy, discordant anthems that blur the lines between post-punk and their self-described “rodeo-core.”
Sound & Production
Produced by Tom Beaujour (known for his work with indie heavyweights like Nada Surf and Juliana Hatfield), Birthday Boohoo is a sonic riot. The track begins with a driving bassline that sets the foundation for an aggressive yet infectious groove, punctuated by sharp guitar riffs and erratic saxophone wails from John Stanesco. The dirty, abrasive textures of the instrumentation contrast brilliantly with the slightly melodic, almost conversational vocal delivery from Zach Ellis, creating a soundscape that feels raw but meticulously layered.
The inclusion of saxophone is a bold move, and it works: Stanesco’s chaotic solos lend the track an unpredictable, almost jazzy edge that sets Dead Tooth apart from other post-punk contemporaries. Meanwhile, the remix by Oliver Ackermann (of A Place To Bury Strangers) as the B-side promises to further explore and deconstruct the song’s haunting atmosphere.
Themes & Lyrics
Lyrically, Birthday Boohoo is a wry, sardonic take on celebration and disillusionment. It manages to encapsulate the existential angst of modern life while refusing to take itself too seriously. The brazen lyrics pair well with the band’s penchant for marrying intensity with a hint of absurdity.
Comparisons & Influences
Fans of Refused and At The Drive-In will find plenty to love here, but Dead Tooth’s ability to incorporate saxophone into the punk framework also nods to bands like Morphine. The unpredictable energy of their live shows translates effortlessly into the recording, ensuring that Birthday Boohoo feels visceral and immediate.
Verdict
Birthday Boohoo is a thrilling addition to Dead Tooth’s growing catalog, offering a gritty, unapologetic burst of energy that’s as entertaining as it is innovative. Whether on 7” vinyl or live during their upcoming European tour, this track reaffirms Dead Tooth’s status as a band worth watching.
Rating: ★★★★☆
(For fans of post-punk, chaos, and saxophone-fueled surprises.)
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