Graf Orlock may be calling it quits, but that does not mean guitarist/vocalist Justin Smith is going to be any less busy. (“I have no free time,” he said in a recent interview with New Noise.) He’s still co-running Vitriol Records, and he’s currently focused on his newer band Sweat, whose upcoming split EP with San Diego’s Negative Blast (members of Lewd Acts, Hour of the Wolf, and Rocket from the Crypt) is Vitriol’s next release; it’s due on August 25.
The split has two new songs from each band, and we’re premiering one of each now. Sweat’s “Regulations” has sort of a hardcore-infused rock & roll vibe in the vein of stuff like The Bronx and Refused, and Tuna Tardugno’s rage-fueled bark is genuinely magnetic. On the other side, Negative Blast offer up a scuzzy fusion of hardcore and acid-drenched rage punk on their new ripper “Original Spirit.”
“‘“Regulations’ is about the constant policing of bodies, choice, & autonomy,” Tuna says. “Why are we still fighting for safe access to abortions? Why is it a crime? What the fuck. Surely, you understand the frustration.”
“‘Original Spirit’ is about living the way you choose despite the harshness or criticisms you receive from others,” says Negative Blast vocalist Rain Pesebre. There are people out there that will try to have a plan for you. They will try to influence you and make you do things contrary to your own values. They might be your family, your coworkers, your ‘friends,’ or the people closest to you who claim to care about you. With all of the challenges and struggles both internal and external, you are ultimately the one that has to choose where to sail your own ship. If that means disappointing or failing someone who doesn’t have your best interests in mind, then fuck it and fuck ‘em. Don’t tell me how to live my life.”
Listen to both songs:
Sweat are opening Graf Orlock’s final East Coast show on September 16 at Saint Vitus with The Sawtooth Grin and Fluoride, and they also have a couple West Coast dates with The Adicts and Generacion Suicida.
Negative Blast are opening two of The Bled‘s Pass The Flask 20th anniversary shows, including the one at NYC’s Le Poisson Rouge on November 11. They also have upcoming West Coast dates with City of Caterpillar, High Vis, Stay Gold, and more.
Sweat — 2023 Tour Dates
Jul 20 – San Diego, CA @ Observatory w/The Adicts, Generacion Suicida
Jul 21 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Belasco w/The Adicts, Generacion Suicida
Sept 16- Brooklyn, NY @ St Vitus w/Graf Orlock
Negative Blast — 2023 Tour Dates
Jul 19 San Diego, CA @ Che Café w/ Stay Gold
Jul 28 San Diego, CA @ SOMA w/High Vis
Aug 12 San Diego, CA @ Aklasan Fest
Aug 24 San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar w/City of Caterpillar
Sept 8 Pomona, CA @ The Glass House w/ The Bled
Nov 11 – New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge w/The Bled
