Soul Glo have returned with “If I Speak (Shut the Fuck Up)” — the Philadelphia band’s first original new, original material since their acclaimed 2022 album Diaspora Problems. Additionally, the band has shared a NSFW video directed by Ava LaPrima. Watch below.
Opening with a fuzzed-out solo’d bass line, the track builds from a staggering noise-rock table setter, guided by the forceful pounding of drummer TJ Stevenson. From there, the band catches a breakneck hardcore pace that taps into the same fevered aggression found on Diaspora Problems, spearheaded by vocalist Pierce Jordan’s memorable catchphrase refrain: “If I speak, shut the fuck up!”
The accompanying LaPrima-directed video is total madness, depicting a torture chamber in which blind-folded prisoners are subjected to a wall of iPhones, computer monitors, and purple dildos. The social commentary is tangible (and suffice to say, the clip is NSFW — though a slightly more censored version can also be seen).
“’If I Speak’ is a song about channeling one’s voice and perspective through art or another creative expression,” Jordan commented within the press release for the track. “You can hear when people spend more time online than on their music. You can tell when people are more focused on a visual statement than a sound.”
The track is the first original studio recording by Soul Glo featuring their current lineup of vocalist Pierce Jordan, guitarist GG Guerra, and Stevenson. Diaspora Problems notably featured writing and performances by longtime guitarist Ruben Polo, who exited the group last year around the time of the album’s release. The new single was produced at Jamtown Studios in Philadelphia by Guerra, with additional drum engineering by Evan Bernard, mixing by Steve Evetts, and mastering by Alan Douches.
The single arrives following the kickoff of Soul Glo’s North American tour with Zulu. The trek continues Tuesday (September 5th) in Omaha, Nebraska, and runs through an October 7th date in Chicago. Get tickets here.
You can stream the uncensored “If I Speak (Shut the Fuck Up)” music video via Soul Glo’s website and view the censored (still NSFW) clip via YouTube below.
“If I Speak (Shut the Fuck Up)” Artwork:
