Punk power trio Sharp/Shock unveils “I Don’t Want A Nuclear Family”
What’s in a name? For a band like Sharp/Shock, it’s an apt descriptor, a manifesto, and a perfect primer for the band’s melody-meets-malice sound. The formidable power trio—comprised of Davey Warsop (Beat Union, Suedehead), Dan Smith (The Dear & Departed; world-renowned tattoo artist) and Jared Shavelson (The Hope Conspiracy, Paint It Black)—continues to tease their sophomore album Youth Club with a new single, “I Don’t Want A Nuclear Family.”
Warsop about the song’s aim:
“I realize this song might come off as ‘anti-family,’ but it really isn’t. Ultimately, this song is ‘pro-family’—I’m tipping my hat to anyone raising kids in a non-traditional way or going against the family values that most of us are taught or pressured into, be that unmarried couples, same-sex parents, single parents, parents that live apart, or couples that are reversing the stereotypical gender roles of parenthood. I’m a supporter!”
May 25 will see the release of the band’s second record Youth Club, which, like its predecessor, is an onslaught of Brit-leaning punk and stars-and-stripes nostalgia. Youth Club as a whole is the sound of a trio flexing a now-seasoned partnership. With Warsop stepping in as producer (who has previously served behind the board for Green Day, Foo Fighters, Bad Religion and more), Sharp/Shock’s sound is more streamlined than ever. From the deeply analytical lyrics of “Nuclear Family” that cut like a knife, to the unrepentant honesty of “Bad Lad,” Sharp/Shock are exactly what you would expect from musicians who were born and bred on The Jam and Stiff Little Fingers, but they’ve still got plenty of surprises in store.
Youth Club is due out May 25 via Matt Skiba’s Heart & Skull Records—preorders are available here. Catch Sharp/Shock on the road with Against Me! and Chris Farren this month.
