The latest full-length release from Minneapolis’ Rad Owl, Rage Gracefully, is a melodic punk rock masterpiece you should immediately check out. From the first note to the last, Rad Owl proves that they are more than capable of threading the needle between ’90s punk nostalgia and contemporary sound. The album features twelve blistering tracks, showcasing their knack for crafting ultrafast skate punk anthems and more moderate melodic punk rock tracks. With a sound that pays homage to the nineties and noughties scene, yet offers enough modern flair to distinguish itself, Rage Gracefully is a carefully crafted sonic journey through past, present, and future of melodic punk rock music. Right out of the gate, the album commands attention with heavy, riff-driven songs that feel larger than life. These aren’t just mindless power chords—we’re talking about guitar interplay that verges on divine. The leading lines, provided by new guitarist Ryan Tate, have an almost heavy metal quality in their technicality and soaring precision, bringing a depth of musicianship that elevates Rad Owl beyond the usual skatepunk tradition. Tracks like “Run It Out” and “Bock Szn” feature these intricate, shredding lead guitar lines that somehow sound both technically precise and emotionally charged. They inject a sense of grandeur into the album without veering into indulgence, walking that tightrope between melody and muscle with absolute finesse.
At the same time, the rhythm section tears everything in the broader radius. Jeremy Bergo and David Jarnstrom provide heavy and articulate low-ends throughout the entire album. The bass and drums lock into a groove that feels not only propulsive but also deeply musical. It’s a rhythm section that fans of Descendents and ALL will immediately recognize—and one that brings the kind of tight, punchy rhythmic cohesion that skatepunk thrives on. Jarnstrom’s drumming is the unsung hero of this material, delivering groove and pace with precision. His work on “Rock Szn” and “Tent City Dream” is a masterclass in percussive acrobatics, where every fill, break, and beat feels purposeful, yet fresh. Jeremy Jessen’s vocals sit perfectly atop this musical maelstrom. His melodies cut through the chaos, offering singalong moments without ever feeling repetitive or clichéd. There’s something deeply satisfying about how his voice plays with the melodies in tracks like “Tent City Dream” and “Things We Do,” creating harmonies that grab you by the collar and refuse to let go long after the record has finished. Jessen is the kind of vocalist who makes you believe in the words he’s singing, whether he is belting out an anthemic chorus or delivering a more introspective line. His vocal delivery evokes the passionate fire of late mid-nineties to early noughties bands but remains distinct enough to stand out in the punk rock landscape.
Lyrically, Rage Gracefully blends personal introspection with broader social commentary, never shying away from the band’s Midwestern roots. There’s a self-deprecating, down-to-earth honesty that permeates the album, a sort of humility that feels refreshing and quintessentially Midwestern. But Rad Owl isn’t afraid to swing for the fences when it matters. The title Rage Gracefully itself feels like a mission statement for the band—finding a way to channel rage, frustration, and discontent into something artful, something beautiful. In an era where the political climate seems more chaotic than ever, Rad Owl’s music doesn’t come off as didactic but rather as a call to arms, delivered with both grace and grit. Of course, no discussion of Rage Gracefully would be complete without highlighting the impeccable production. Punchy yet polished, the album’s sound is as crisp as it is raw, with each instrument given room to breathe without losing the tightly wound energy that defines punk rock. The guitars are thick and crunchy, the bass is warm and punchy, and the drums snap with clarity. It’s a production style that feels modern and clean but never overproduced, retaining just enough grit to keep the band’s punk credibility intact.
Standout tracks like “Doppler” and “Hide Tide Time” push the envelope of what skatepunk can be. “Doppler” is one of the more melodic tracks on the album, with intricate rhythms and layered harmonies that feel like a punk-rock freight train barreling down the tracks. It’s relentless in its energy but never loses its melodic core, proving that Rad Owl can pummel listeners while still delivering memorable hooks. On the other hand, “Hide Tide Time” offers a bit more emotional depth, with its introspective lyrics and soaring guitar lines. It’s a song that feels urgent and contemplative, perfectly capturing the blend of energy and thoughtfulness that defines Rad Owl’s sound. Of course, there are many other standout tracks here, like “Growl,” “Run It Out,” “Rock Szn,” Every Second,” “Tent City Dream,” and “Things We Do,” so I highly advise you to listen to this masterpiece from scratch to finish without skipping. The emotional urgency that permeates Rage Gracefully is one of its greatest strengths. There’s a sense that every track is here for a reason, with no filler to be found. Whether it’s the galloping tempos, the nuanced harmonies, or the lyrics steeped in both personal and societal frustration, there’s always something pulling the listener deeper into the record. Rage Gracefully is an album that rewards repeat listens, with new layers of instrumentation and meaning revealing themselves with each spin. Rad Owl has created something that feels timeless, a record that could have just as easily come out in the heyday of ’90s punk as it does today, yet with a level of sophistication and polish that places it firmly in the modern era.
It’s a nostalgic and progressive, raw and polished, chaotic and controlled album. Rad Owl has crafted a record that not only honors the legacy of punk rock but also pushes it forward in new and exciting ways. For fans of melodic punk, skatepunk, and orgcore, this is essential listening. Head to Engineer Records for more information about ordering.
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