Special by Scowl

Scowl has quickly made a name for themselves as one of the most vivid and hard-working acts in rock. The band - Kat Moss (vocals), Malachi Greene (guitar), Bailey Lupo (bass), Cole Gilbert (drums), and Mikey Bifolco (guitar) - broke out in 2021 with their debut album How Flowers Grow, and it has been a non-stop upward trajectory ever since. With the release of 2023’s Psychic Dance Routine, Scowl pushed the boundaries of what “punk” is, combining aggressive hardcore with lush alternative melodies. The band was creating music they wanted to listen to, and the world latched on.

Since forming in 2019, Scowl has consistently eschewed being pigeon-holed, moving far beyond the confines of what a typical “hardcore” band is considered. Floral motifs lace their artwork and merchandise, they’ve notably toured with acts as diverse as Limp Bizkit, Destroy Boys, and Show Me The Body. Produced by Grammy-nominated Will Yip (Turnstile, Mannequin Pussy, Tigers Jaw) at Studio 4, Psychic Dance Routine embodies Scowl’s ethos of authenticity, blending innovative song structures with passionate yet relatable lyrics. This originality earned the band praise from Rolling Stone, NME, SPIN, Kerrang and Revolver and Alternative Press (where they were interviewed by Frank Iero of My Chemical Romance), to name a few, and spots performing at Coachella, Reading and Leeds, and Sick New World.

Now, after spending the last few years touring the world, Scowl has returned to live up to all the expectations and defy some as well. The band has signed with Dead Oceans (home to the likes of Phoebe Bridgers and Mitski) and are releasing their first single with the acclaimed label, “Special”, produced again by Yip and mixed by Grammy Award winning engineer Rich Costey (Fiona Apple, Deftones, Vampire Weekend). While “Special” unveils yet another dimension of genuine depth and texture into Scowl’s artistry. Lead singer Kat Moss delivers vocals with commanding confidence, seamlessly intertwined with fierce screams, growls, and snarls, while the track’s instrumentation continually reveals new layers that may be missed on first listen to its urgent, driving sound. If pop and hardcore were to unite, 'Special' would be their rebellious offspring. After spending the last five years carving their own niche in the landscape of alternative music, with 'Special', Scowl are setting the stage to claim 2025 as their own.

Tracklist

1.	Special	2:58

Credits

released October 8, 2024

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