PRUDE

Longevity is hard to come by for most hardcore bands, and understandably so. Many struggle to harness and maintain the ethos and style that set them apart from their peers over multiple releases. This isn't the case for Drug Church, whose fifth(!) full-length album PRUDE, has finally arrived. Not only have Drug Church identified what has made them successful as a hardcore mainstay, but they've also crafted a dynamic sound that blends their hardcore roots with punk, power-pop and alternative to stand out and allow for further opportunity to explore. PRUDE exemplifies what the band does best, and, without reinventing the wheel, stretches what Drug Church can be.PRUDE features one of the band's best-ever opening tracks with "Mad Care," opening with a dissonant riff before the entire band kicks the doors in with driving force. Barrelling drums, loud and crunchy guitars, and frontman Patrick Kindlon's familiar howl all weave together to remind fans that Drug Church have become a well-oiled machine who understands what they do best. Guitarist Nick Cogan even mixes in one of his patented wailing leads on the opener's bridge for good measure.What makes Drug Church hard to label is the dynamism they've introduced to their sound in their Pure Noise years, leaning into more melodies and clean guitar leads to pair with big bouncy choruses. Tracks like "Hey Listen" and "Yankee Trails" give Prude more texture than earlier releases, without sacrificing the aggression and edge that gave them their initial appeal.There's plenty of that DNA in songs like "Business Ethics," "Demolition Man" and album closer "Peer Review." Pat Wynne's juicy bass leads, along with Cogan and fellow guitarist Cory Galusha's rhythmic chugging give these tracks a booming quality that will scratch an itch for fans craving the heavier side of Drug Church. Even with the commitment to add more elements to their bag, PRUDE leans into the band's core strength — simply put, being a loud rock band with catchy hooks.Tying it all together are the lyrics, which examine down-on-their-luck characters; specifically, an  interest in misfortune, whether it's self-inflicted or an involuntary outcome. Kindlon is a fantastic storyteller who can be critical and empathic at the same time, not passing judgment, but understanding that these types of situations are a product of his environment, and American culture at large. Whether it's critiquing the grindset associated with working life in "Demolition Man," the frustratingly futile process of self-betterment in "Mad Care" or the ripple effects of a superiority complex in "Peer Review", Kindlon observes and tries to understand the community that surrounds him, how he ended up there, and how to move forward as a collective. Because of that focus, PRUDE's arrival feels especially apt for the time and place in which the band currently exists.PRUDE's half-hour-ish run time packs plenty of punch, mixing old and new strengths well, exemplifying why Drug Church have so much staying power. The band continues to cement themselves as one of hardcore's most accessible outfits, and PRUDE will serve as the next step in their continued upward trajectory.