Originating in the Bay Area, The Complicators first made waves with their debut EP and a split 7″ with Empire Down. In the years since, the band worked hard at writing the songs that would eventually become this full length, rudely interrupted by the global pandemic, during which time their original drummer, Radu Poliac, moved away. Once live music was again viable, singer Quincy Atkinson, guitarist Matt Garcia, and bassist Sean Smith resumed with new drummer Cameron Wallace.

Matt consciously focused on crafting a wide variety of riffs, resulting in a sonically diverse finished product incorporating the sounds of fast hardcore, classic Oi!, and even a catchy, singalong pop sensibility offset by gritty street punk vocals. Cameron used the drives to and from the studio to listen to hardcore bands whose musicianship he admires, and says it inspired him to play to the unique needs of each individual song, and to consciously strive not to repeat fills or patterns throughout the record. This creative ambition shines through in the finished product, as the band rises above what is expected to keep the listener engaged from start to finish.

While The Complicators preferred not to make an entirely political record, the band members’ engagement with humanitarian themes and working class struggles naturally informed their writing, and demanded that they make their positions on certain issues crystal clear, such as on the standout track “American Shame,” which pushes back on the demonization of immigrants by Donald Trump and his acolytes, while “Priced Out” addresses those left behind by skyrocketing cost of living. On the other hand, “Blink of an Eye” is a classic PMA song encouraging listeners to seize the moment and make the most out of life.

With their strongest material yet primed for release, The Complicators are preparing to take things to the next level! Matt says, “Many years and thousands of hours of work went into this album and I am beyond stoked that we got it recorded and Pirates Press Records is gonna put it out. Love playing music with these guys and can’t wait to play some shows next summer.”

Cameron echoes those sentiments. “To anyone thinking of starting, or returning to play music, do it; find your band mates, find yourself,” he advises. “This record was a lot of work, but hands down, [it is] one of the greatest times and accomplishments of my life.”