Uncompromising in their ethos, Spike Polite & Sewage, a band rooted in the grassroots essence of punk, are poised to unleash their latest offering since the head-crashing Pandemonium EP. Aptly titled the Punk Not Dead EP, this forthcoming release from New York City punk rock stalwarts Spike Polite (a vocal duo comprising members of Reagan Youth and Cheetah Chrome), Michelle Shocked, Antony Romero, and the iconic Beast on drums, is a fervent testament to the passion, message, and politics inherent in the punk movement.
Drawing inspiration from the Tompkins Square Park Riots of 1988—a response to gentrification, police brutality, and exorbitant rent hikes—Sewage assumes the mantle of resistance as history echoes its refrain across the Western world. In an era marred by the commodification of humanity, artists like Spike Polite & Sewage assert that punk’s unapologetic, brash, and incendiary spirit is more crucial than ever—a clarion call for societal awakening before it’s too late.
Far from a wistful lament for punk’s heyday, “Punk Not Dead” serves as a catalyst for upheaval and consciousness-raising. Spike Polite & Sewage epitomize the ethos of playing without restraint, weaving narratives of survival and defiance into their sonic tapestry. Through their music, they advocate for justice, decry regression into ignorance and hatred, and advocate for collective action toward meaningful change—urging listeners to open their eyes before it’s too late, all while embracing the celebratory spirit of rebellion.
Led by Spike Polite, Michelle Shocked, Beast, and Tony Romero, the quartet’s latest EP is a sonic manifesto of insurgent punk rage. Produced by Ted Sabety for Solid Bass Records, “Punk Not Dead” offers unapologetic social satire in response to the perceived decline of Western civilization. Scheduled for a vinyl release in January 2024, the EP promises a visceral experience, with Side A delivering raw, unfiltered punk energy, while Side B offers punk-industrial-noise dance remixes by XnormL—a multifaceted sonic journey that encapsulates the irreverent energy and political potency of Spike Polite & Sewage.
