Drug Church – ‘Prude’ album review: the triumphant sound of a unit pushing on
THE SKINNY: I once wrote that Deftones are probably the most consistent band of our times, but now I retract that comment. Following the release of Prude, Drug Church now take that crown. Their new album is the sound of a band burnishing their formula after over a decade of being one of the tightest groups around. Potentially their most emo-leaning effort to date, it expertly toes the line between hardness and melodic, emotive flair, adding another stellar record to a back catalogue comprised of only classics.
After the band released ‘Myopic’ last year, their diehard fanbase eagerly awaited the release of a new album. Then, when they returned with ‘Demolition Man’ this summer, ‘Chow’ and most recently ‘Slide 2 Me’, all the signs were clear. Prude was was shaping up to be a ride, and it hasn’t disappointed in this department. In what is an indisputable masterstroke, the quintet, comprised of vocalist Patrick Kindlon, guitarists Nick Cogan and Cory Galusha, bassist Pat Wynne and drummer Chris Villeneuve, manage to push their formula forward, including the wry lyrics, immense riffs, big choruses and markedly underrated rhythm section, by tapping into the emo side that’s always been there.
Yet, it’s not just that. The songwriting and performances are sharp, with Kindlon even singing more extensively than he ever has done. Each member is customarily faultless and intrepid from start to finish, with the band demonstrating once more that their collective might is of a rare kind, with their sound truly singular. Whether it be Kindlon utilising melisma more comprehensively, Cogan’s dynamic playing or Wynne throwing in a few funky walk-ups, Drug Church have bolstered their already eclectic blend.
In times like these, it can be hard to be yourself, but Drug Church fly the flag of individualism like no other. From the animated, consuming music to the odd bits of wisdom Kindlon’s stream of consciousness provides once more, this is the sound of a band utterly faithful in their abilities, and there is nothing quite like it. They push on as a unit.
For fans of: Stage diving, Dickies pants, and the work of Tim Robinson.
A concluding comment from a non-believer: “Drug Church? What a dumb name. You might say I’m a bit of a musical Prude, I’m not really into shouty music or emo for that matter.”
Prude track by track:
Release: October 4th | Producer: Jon Markson | Label: Pure Noise
‘Mad Care’: A crunching ball of energy. This is a cut that will be lapped up by longtime fans of the band, with the guitars and backing vocals taking it back to the raw days of Paul Walker and Hit Your Head. An ideal way to kick things off. [4.5/5]
‘Myopic’: A song all Drug Church fans will be familiar with after being released in 2023. Boasting the spacey harmonic riff, Kindlon’s big vocals, a whole load of atmosphere, and even some splendid strings, it’s a classic by the Albany outfit. [4.5/5]
‘Hey Listen’: Opening with Cogan’s chiming guitar, Drug Church get rather emo on the third stop. With Kindlon singing instead of his customary barks, it marks a change of pace by the band and a totally effective one at that. Perfect for autumnal internal reflection [4/5]
‘Demolition Man’: In every aspect, the lead single of Prude is vintage Drug Church while still doing something new. It’s heavy but emotive, hilarious but thought-provoking, and an absolute anthem. Nothing but top marks for this one, as it wholly envelops the listener. The ending is spectacular. More respect needs to be given to Villeneuve’s expressive drumming. [5/5]
‘Business Ethics’: Opening with a dissonant clang and then driven by a muscular bassline from Wynne, it builds to a heady chorus on the back of meaty guitars and elemental drums. [4/5]
‘Slide 2 Me’: Another single and another instant classic from Drug Church. Kicking off with Cogan’s effects-drenched strums, it then explodes into a catchy chord progression, vocal melody and rhythm. Full of imagination and vitality, it makes me wanna stage dive. A perfect pick-me-up. [5/5]
‘Chow’: A slightly mellower moment, this track comes with one of the most potent choruses on the record, as well as Kindlon’s incredibly catchy verse work. The sound of a band on heat is a moment of utter Drug Church magic that builds to a fantastic ending once more. [4.5/5]
‘The Bitters’: Back to the guitars’ crunch and drums’ thud. Heading at breakneck speed, this is one that will go off live, with Cogan’s whammy bar bends adding heightened impact to the chorus. [4.5/5]
‘Yankee Trails’: Does this cut contain the biggest earworm of a riff found on an album overflowing with them? Highly likely. Perhaps the most emo moment on the record, this penultimate number is brimming with Drug Chruch’s special blend of hardness and sincerity, and it is a melodic delight. Wynne’s bass work is also tip-top. [4/5]
‘Peer Review’: Opening with slow chugs, feedback and a direct Kindlon performance, the song ties Prude together seamlessly in a gloriously cacophonous blend of big vocals, dovetailing guitars and a watertight rhythm section. What a band. [4.4/5]
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