With tongue firmly cemented in cheek, the new single from Tokyo-based skate punk act Frog Fortress (the musical vehicle of songwriter and producer Jared Sell) is a high-octane brainstorm of a song.
After getting off to a disarmingly warm, woozy, warbly start, it picks up the pace and continues in this way throughout. Ostensibly a one-sided conversation about another person’s taste and the places it could lead them, the general gist of the song is one of juxtaposition and dreams.
“Tell me ‘bout your favourite hardcore band…” go the opening lyrics, and over the course of the song, this line of interrogation also touches on indie and metal and the trappings that come along with genre-based tribalism. All the while, musical influences such as Weezer, New Found Glory, Dinosaur Jr and BBQ Pope shine brightly though.
“We could start something new, a new project that could take the world by storm / And we would subvert expectations, go beyond the limitations”, the lyrics go. Pie in the sky ideas but, much more achievable when undertaken with someone like-minded, equally passionate, and similarly driven.
A snotty, snarky punky song, but one not without an undertone of sincerity and genuine love. “Hardcore Band” is taken from Frog Fortress’ debut full length, which we’re told is coming soon. Take a listen to the new single below.
Written by Kinda Grizzly
