"Kamikaze" - The So So Glos [Official Full Album Stream + Zumic Review]

Today, Brooklyn punk band The So So Glos have released their fifth album, Kamikaze, through Votiv Records.

The 12-track LP was recorded with John Reis and mixed by Mike Mogis. The So So Glos are Levi Zaru (aka Aleksander Levine) on lead vocals and bass, Ryan Zaru Levi on guitar and backing vocals, Matt Lasser-Elkin on guitar, and Zach Assa-el Staggers on drums. You can listen to the full release above via Spotify.

Frontman Levi Zaru spoke with Billboard about why the new LP is titled Kamikaze:

Several reasons. The first is that the narrator is telling the story of a society on a self-destructive, suicidal path. While it's the protagonist who takes the wheel and drives, we're all going down together, swinging. We also intended to comment on extremism in the modern world; all forms of extremism, be it nationalistic, religious, political or apathetic. Lastly, the album is called Kamikaze because we want to take back a historically violent word and redefine it in a progressive way. The explosive weapon in our case isn't a bomb or an airplane but one of lyrical and musical expression. The narrator is at the end of his rope shooting off at the mouth. His words are weapons. An underlying theme is the individual expressing a state of mind that is equally destructive to himself and the society he critiques. That being said, every song on the record isn't political or topical. It's also a party drink, Kamikaze.

With the album premiere that hit the internet yesterday, Levi Zaru shared with A.V. Club some thoughts about the album:

We’ve turned up the contrast making the darks darker, the lights lighter, the loud louder and the quiet quieter. Extreme times call for extreme measures. Lyrically it’s very wordy and almost hip hop in delivery. It uses spirituality, sarcasm & metaphoric ‘verbal shotgun shells’ as ammunition. It’s also a party drink, so drink up & enjoy.

Kamikaze is an album that should be played LOUD! The LP is a mix of adrenaline-fueled punk rock tunes with anthemic choruses. There's a reason why The So So Glos are one of Brooklyn's most revered bands. Their songs have garnered a loyal following, especially in the DIY punk scene and Concert Joe (he can be heard in the opening of "Fool On The Street"). Relatable lyrics and an attitude as gritty as NYC itself has made The So So Glos one of the premier bands on the scene.

Our favorite songs are "Dancing Industry," "A.D.D. Life," "Going Out Swinging," "Magazine," "Sunny Side," "Kings County II: Ballad Of A So So Glo," "Fool On The Street," "Inpatient," "Down The Tubes," and "Missionary."

Pick up Kamikaze on Amazon and Pledgemusic.com.

For more music, news, and tour information about The So So Glos, check out their Zumic artist page.