Canadian post-hardcore legends Alexisonfire have released the fiery new single Reverse The Curse. The second offering from their upcoming album Otherness (their first album in 13 years!), Reverse The Curse turns back the clock a to the golden period of Alexisonfire, blending aggressive, almost caustic verses from George Pettit and a soaring chorus from guitarist Dallas Green which weave in and out of a wirey alt-rock and hardcore infused sonic tapestry.
Listen to Reverse The Curse below
Intended as a 'poetic commentary' on facing one’s demons anchored by a gigantic, Kyuss-worshiping riff, Pettit reveals this one sat with the band for a while before finally finding a home on Reverse The Curse.
"Some riffs stick around for a while until they make sense. ‘Reverse The Curse’ has existed in one form or another since Crisis. There was even a version that we used as the original 'Young Cardinals' but that one wasn’t meant to be. It found its way to creation during our covid rehearsals and I’m glad it’s finally coming to light."
Otherness will be released on June 24th via Dine Alone Records/Cooking Vinyl Australia. The video for the first single Sweet Dreams Of Otherness was directed by the inimitable actor/director Jay Baruchel (Goon, This Is The End, Random Acts of Violence, How to Train Your Dragon).
Watch the video for Sweet Dreams Of Otherness.
The band also released a mission statement for the album at the time of Sweet Dreams Of Otherness release stating
A continuous thread through the fabric of Alexisonfire is the state of otherness. Otherness drew us all to spaces where a band like this could be formed. We attract the type of individuals that have all felt the sensation of being strange or unique. Perceived or otherwise, otherness has followed us through childhood, adolescence, and into our adult lives. It drives our tastes and proclivities. It bonds us with ourselves and others. And make no mistake, even at our most domestic and mundane moments, we are true outliers."
Otherness is the band’s most cohesive and self-actualized record to date. For those who need a refresher, AOF released four hugely successful studio albums, all Music Canada Platinum-certified: Alexisonfire (2002), Watch Out (2004), Crisis (2006), and Old Crows / Young Cardinals (2009).
The mix of classic Alexisonfire and newfound textures of Sweet Dreams of Otherness became a roadmap for the rest of the record. Dallas Green’s engaging croon; the urgent attitude of Wade MacNeil; the heavy bellow of George Pettit; all anchored by a mix of vulnerability, confidence, iconoclasm, and celebratory recklessness. As every Alexisonfire song persistently expands and contracts, bassist Chris Steele and drummer Jordan Hastings remain impossibly tight, locked into unrelenting swinging grooves.
Alexisonfire produced Otherness themselves in roughly a week. They kept it a “family affair,” working closely with folks who’ve been with them for years. Writing took place at the Dine Alone Records clubhouse. The album includes organ, keys, and pedal steel from Green’s longtime collaborator Matt Kelly. Jill Zimmerman and Darren “Jeter” Magierowski (who is also Steele’s cousin) engineered, at Jukasa Recording Studios.
“The biggest difference is the space we are all in. We were all really thrilled to make a record, and it was such a respite from what was going on in the world. It felt like life could be beautiful,” MacNeil says. “We were supportive of one another. Everyone was in such a good mood. It was such a treat to be able to do it again.”
Alexisonfire - Otherness
01. Committed to the Con
02. Sweet Dreams of Otherness
03. Sans Soleil
04. Conditional Love
05. Blue Spade
06. Dark Night of the Soul
07. Mistaken Information
08. Survivor's Guilt
09. Reverse the Curse
10. World Stops Turning
