Pissed Jeans | Half Divorced
Half Divorced serves as a rallying cry for the band, a transparent declaration of who they are and what they stand for.
By: Sam Eeckhout
Half Divorced is reminder that perfection isn't the goal here; instead, it's about embracing the rough edges and reveling in the sheer power of the music.
Pissed Jeans have never been ones to tiptoe around their sound. They have always been all-in, pushing their chips in fearlessly.
With Half Divorced, their sixth studio album, the Pennsylvania-based hardcore punk outfit doubles down on their unapologetic intensity. Like a heavy ball of lead careening down a hill, the album hurtles forth with a relentless energy that's both exhilarating and exhausting. You can feel the sweaty moshpit in each song.
From the outset, it's clear that Pissed Jeans are fully committed to their aggressive assault. Tracks like "Everywhere is Bad" hit with the force of a sledgehammer, yet stumble into the realm of cheesiness, revealing the album's occasional missteps. However, these flaws often feel deliberate, adding to the raw, unfiltered nature of the band's approach.
The album opens with parallels to Rancid 2000, sprinting out of the blocks with walking bass lines and direct, no-nonsense songwriting. There's an unmistakable sense of aggression and determination that permeates every track, tempered only by a surprising undercurrent of optimism. Even in its most brutal moments, there's a glimmer of hope lurking beneath the chaos.
The album's lead single, "Moving On," stands out as a departure from the rest of the record. With its crisp production and infectious chorus, it's a surprisingly accessible entry point into Pissed Jeans' abrasive world. Yet, it's the dirty, stained punk injected with adrenaline that defines the album's core identity.
"Junktime" emerges as a behemoth of a track, a lengthy thrash fest that borders on the brink of collapse. Bass isolations and wailing solos punctuate the relentless assault, creating an experience that feels almost like a live performance captured on tape.
Throughout its 20-year tenure, Pissed Jeans have never shied away from embracing their raw, unfiltered identity. Half Divorced serves as a rallying cry for the band, a transparent declaration of who they are and what they stand for. Matt Korvette's growling snarl serves as the album's driving force, pulling listeners along for a wild ride through the depths of punk rock.
"Seatbelt Alarm Silencer" encapsulates the album's ethos: frantic, messy, it almost feels like it’s going to fall down at any moment. It's a reminder that perfection isn't the goal here; instead, it's about embracing the rough edges and reveling in the sheer power of the music.
In the end, Half Divorced may not be flawless, but it's not meant to be. Pissed Jeans have crafted a record that's as uncompromising as it is exciting, a tip of the cap to the enduring power of hardcore punk. Strap in and hold on tight.
