Scowl is seriously killing it right now. They’ve been leveling up their sound each year, and their new single "Special" just proves that they're not slowing down. After Psychic Dance Routine dropped in 2023 — which mixed hardcore aggression with surprisingly catchy pop-punk vibes — they’re back with another track that keeps the same energy but feels bigger, like it’s made for both the pit and the stadium.
"Special" has the same Will Yip production (the guy's worked with everyone from Title Fight to Turnstile) and it's mixed by Rich Costey, who’s done work with bands like Deftones and Vampire Weekend. So, it’s no surprise the song has that polished yet heavy sound. It’s not the raw, messy punk some people might expect from a hardcore band, but more like a balance between their brutal roots and this new, more accessible direction. You still get Kat Moss’s fierce growls, but there's also a melodic touch that’s making their music reach a wider audience.
Kat explained that the song came together during a tour in the UK, with each member bringing their own piece to the table. It sounds super collaborative, and you can feel that energy. The lyrics hit deep, with Kat asking “What do you really want?” — which is basically her reflecting on what she wants out of life, like, feeling truly alive. It’s angsty and raw, but also relatable in a way that makes you want to scream along.
The band just signed with Dead Oceans (the label that reps Phoebe Bridgers and Mitski), which feels like a big move for them. Scowl isn’t just sticking to the underground; they’re aiming high. They’ve already shared stages with bands like Limp Bizkit and Touche Amore, and played huge festivals like Coachella. Now with "Special," they’re clearly setting themselves up for even bigger things in 2025.
If you're into bands that mix hardcore with something fresh and melodic, Scowl is definitely one to keep on your radar.
Check out this latest release and listen to more of Scowl on Spotify & YouTube.
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