When the alt-rock trio of StrateJacket formed in 2019, they knew that the next few years would be spent proving themselves to the world. This challenge was brought to a whole new level the following year when the pandemic put a delay on gigs and recording, testing StrateJacket’s strength as a band. During their time in isolation, Jackson Roemers (lead vocals/guitar), Fabian Angel (vocals/bass), and Nate Mangold (drums) were able to define their catchy and dynamic sound, which is influenced by alt and punk bands of the 90s and early 2000s. When the pandemic restrictions started to lift, StrateJacket were ready to take their sound out into the world, playing under bridges, in warehouses, and on various beaches in the San Francisco area. In doing so, they accumulated a devoted following and caught the attention of EDGEOUT Records. With a debut album set to be released next year, StrateJacket are gearing up to have a great 2024, even if it begins with a “Bad Start.”
The first single from their upcoming album, “Bad Start” flaunts StrateJacket’s California punk rock sound. Decorated with forward-moving riffs and patterns, the track has a momentum that will take down anyone who gets in the way. Along with this fast-paced production, Jackson’s charming, Billie Joe Armstrong-esque vocals enhance the self-deprecating lyrics. Throughout the track, he gives us lines like, “I’m on the cold side of my bed / Counting yesterday’s regrets” and “I hit the ground and lost my way / Forgot what I was going to say / I always do this to myself / Damaging my mental health,” his tone taking ownership of these feelings. It leads up to the anthemic chorus where we hear, “A small brain / A big heart / A shut mouth / A bad start,” driving the track home. You can check it out below.
About “Bad Start,” Jackson shares,
“‘Bad Start’ was one of the first songs we ever wrote together as a band. We didn’t know what to think of the song when we completed it. When we submitted it to everyone on our team and they really loved it, it became the template of our sound. It was a combination of loud, chanty vocals mixed with these layered keyboards and guitars and a message that pretty much says, ‘I’m an idiot but I mean well.’ It was perfectly imperfect and over the years, we’ve really learned to love it.”
You can listen to “Bad Start” on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud.
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