Santa Cruz hardcore heavyweights Scowl are set to release their highly anticipated new album, Are We All Angels, on April 4 via Dead Oceans. Produced by the legendary Will Yip—who also helmed their 2023 Psychic Dance Routine EP—the record promises a bold new direction for the band while preserving their signature intensity and unrelenting energy.
The album features last year’s standout track “Special” and boasts a polished mix by Rich Costey. Leading the charge is their first single, “Not Hell, Not Heaven,” which introduces a softer yet equally impactful approach. Despite its departure from Scowl’s usual hardcore ferocity, the track is steeped in punk ethos.
Frontwoman Kat Moss shared insight into the song’s themes, stating, “It’s about feeling victimized and being a victim, but not wanting to identify with being a victim. It’s trying to find grace in the fact that I have my power. I live in my reality.”
The single’s release is accompanied by a video directed by Sean Stout, filmed at the iconic 924 Gilman in Berkeley—a venue deeply connected to Scowl’s origin story. Moss, guitarist Malachi Greene, and drummer Cole Gilbert first crossed paths there before forming the band. Reflecting on the milestone, Moss said, “It didn’t take long for me to open up to Malachi and express my interest in playing in a band. One of my bucket list goals was to play Gilman, which we did that October.”
Catch the video for “Not Hell, Not Heaven” below, and get ready for Are We All Angels, a record poised to redefine what hardcore can be.
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