Alternative Tentacles Sign NASALROD, Announce New 7-Inch Release ‘Friends’

Alternative Tentacles Records is proud to partner with Nadine Records to present Nasalrod and their new release the “Friends” 45, a two-song 7″ that takes a demented, sometimes humorous look at friendship, exploring not only what friends are for but also what might be lurking behind a friendly face.

Hailing from Portland, OR and once described by legendary underground artist Lydia Lunch as “harsh, hard…catchy, weird, arty” and “a very unique blend that defies category,” Nasalrod is a collaborative vision of punk rock chaos. In their years together, Nasalrod has built a reputation for its notoriously frantic live performances and an unapologetically unhinged approach. Their music has been described by Week in Pop as “raucous and radically defiant…a party crashing cavalcade of confidence and cavalier fancy.

Led by Chairman’s sneering, kooky yet soulful vocals, expanded by Mustin Douch’s wiley, dexterous guitar explosions, anchored by Mandy Morgan’s punchy, authoritative bass work, and driven by the relentless intensity of founding FEAR drummer Spit Stix, the quartet combines ferocious spazz-punk, warped melodies and convulsive rock and roll into a sound that is as unpredictable as it is infectious.

“Friends” features a version of FEAR’s “What Are Friends For?”, originally written by Spit Stix! The reworked rendition here finally brings Spit’s intended vision to life. Paired with the melodic intensity of “Behind Friendly Faces”, the two tracks offer contrasting perspectives on friendship, delivered with Nasalrod’s signature blend of theatrical energy, twisted humor, precise musicianship, and explosive intensity.

It’s this very unhinged creative vision which has been on Jello Biafra’s radar since the release of their split with Victim’s Family, In The Modern Meatspace on Nadine Records in 2024. He’s not the only one who has noticed, as Nasalrod has been making a name for itself and has shared stages with acts such as The Jesus Lizard, Mudhoney, Melt-Banana, Mike Watt, Alice Donut, Iggy Pop and more.

Recorded at Portland’s Jackpot! Studios by Larry Crane (Tape Op Magazine, Sleater-Kinney, Cat Power, Elliott Smith) and mixed and mastered by Stephan Hawkes (Red Fang, High on Fire, Gaytheist), The “Friends” 45 perfectly captures Nasalrod’s uniquely chaotic approach, pushing the boundaries of its own peculiar brand of punk rock and proving that originality and insanity can go hand in hand. As Joyzine.org recently stated, “In a musical climate often content with the familiar, Nasalrod’s audacity feels not only welcome but necessary.”

The 7″ is set for release November 13 – available for wide release on black vinyl here. A limited artist edition on red vinyl available at Nasalrod shows and on the Alternative Tentacles Patreon here.