Brooklyn-based indie-punk outfit Sadlands—featuring members of Answering Machine, Choke Up, and Ellen and the Degenerates—have released their latest single and music video “Die Young”, taken from their debut album Try To Have A Little Fun, out now via Wiretap Records.
Blending shimmering feedback, dueling vocals, pleading lyrics, and searing guitar leads, Sadlands deliver a sound that thrives on both vulnerability and catharsis. Fronted by guitarists/songwriters Sam Campanile and Jess Lane, the band is rounded out by Louis Rabeno (bass) and Harley Cox (drums).
The group recorded 12 tracks over the summer of 2024 with Matt Schimelfenig (Gladie) at The Bunk in the Pennsylvania Poconos. The record was mastered by Ian Farmer (Modern Baseball) with the help of his cat, Onion, at The Metal Shop in Philadelphia, PA.
About the single, Jess Lane shares:
“The song is about dating immature people who think they won’t live long enough for their decisions to have any consequences. After I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 35, it felt frustrating to be fighting to live a long life with someone who couldn’t see past their nose. In spite of that frustration, ‘Die Young’ is still a hopeful and romantic song, saying, ‘if I’m going to survive this, I want you there with me’. The chorus is begging them to commit to something, or at the very least sign up for health insurance.”
The music video is inspired by that medical journey, and features an homage to Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” music video.
