OCTOBER 23, 2020
PINKSHIFT Set fire to THE PUNK-ROCK SCENE WITH THE RELEASE OF THEIR NEW VENOMOUS single, "RAINWALK"
PHOTO BY LEIGH ANN RODGERS
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Baltimore-based four piece, and self proclaimed ‘rat city rock nerds,’ Pinkshift shook the punk rock scene with the release of their single “Rainwalk.”
Being a Punkaganda favorite, we already had the bar raised for this band and just as expected, they shattered the ceiling. With the recent success of their single “i'm gonna tell my therapist on you,” it’s no surprise that these Baltimore punk rockers came tumbling in with another banger. |
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With a mixture of early 2010’s post-hardcore breakdowns and punk-rock tones, “Rainwalk” is unlike anything we have ever heard before. To put it into perspective, imagine if Joan Jett and Pat Benatar had a punk baby. The track exudes extremely dark and venomous undertones, injecting us with its toxicant to keep us listening, and we just can’t get enough of it. The switching of tempo throughout the song makes it seem almost like a ballad. We’re watching a movie play out and the plot is thickening. It feels like it could be the soundtrack to a villain’s origin story. We’re the main villain, have our enemy vulnerable in the palm of our hands, and could rain hell in any second.
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Right from the beginning, the high-flying guitar riffs and hard-hitting drum patterns emit a strong energy, preparing for the storm that is about to roll in. The track continues to follow this sinister vibe as Ashrita Kumar’s [lead singer] high-powered vocals fill our ears. Kumar has such a unique vocal styling and exudes so much dominant energy throughout this track, making us feel empowered. The boldness of the rhythm section reminds us of work by Dave Grohl in Queens of the Stone Age’s ‘Songs for the Deaf’ and even older percussion and instrumental work in Foo Fighters. We can tell that Myron Houngbedji [drums] and Erich Weinroth [bass] put their all into creating such a diabolical beat. To accompany him in producing such a force is Paul Vallejo [guitar] as he finger dances cohesively. Even with the recollections of similarities in more classic works, this track, just like all other works put out by them, remains distinctively theirs and is unlike anyone else.
Metaphysically, the track touches on the idea that tension shoves us in and out of a state of confusion and anger. Lyrically, the single emerges listeners in a scene of repeatedly having to guess what someone else is thinking. In our opinion, “Rainwalk” showcases elements of “Misery Business” by Paramore and No Doubt’s “Just A Girl,” holding that same satirical attitude when talking about messy relationships throughout the track. With this track Pinkshift, created an anthem for all those who feel undermined and betrayed by people (or things) that were comfortably familiar.
Metaphysically, the track touches on the idea that tension shoves us in and out of a state of confusion and anger. Lyrically, the single emerges listeners in a scene of repeatedly having to guess what someone else is thinking. In our opinion, “Rainwalk” showcases elements of “Misery Business” by Paramore and No Doubt’s “Just A Girl,” holding that same satirical attitude when talking about messy relationships throughout the track. With this track Pinkshift, created an anthem for all those who feel undermined and betrayed by people (or things) that were comfortably familiar.
“The lyrics are an ode to those awful instances when someone you know very well suddenly pretends like you don’t exist. Experiencing that could set anyone off, and writing these words helped me to pin down that feeling and let it go.”
- -Ashrita Kumar
With only three singles out, Pinkshift has continuously shattered our expectations, raising the bar higher each time. They might be new to the ring; however, these Baltimore heavy-hitters have put up a fight and are sweeping the punk-rock scene with flying colors. From the forcible drum patterns, the vigorous guitar and bass riffs, to the dynamic vocals; we can tell that this band is unlike any other.
“Rainwalk” has shown us Pinkshift’s quick evolving range of modulation, developing an extraordinary sound for the band. When shows make a much needed return, we hope to lose our shit in the pit to Rainwalk. Wear your masks and we’ll see you there!
It’s not everyday that we get to hear a band as dynamic and powerful as them, so if you have yet to add Pinkshift to your everyday music rotation, what are you waiting for? We can’t wait to see what these punk-rockers have next hidden up their sleeve, but we know one thing - it will not disappoint.
“Rainwalk” has shown us Pinkshift’s quick evolving range of modulation, developing an extraordinary sound for the band. When shows make a much needed return, we hope to lose our shit in the pit to Rainwalk. Wear your masks and we’ll see you there!
It’s not everyday that we get to hear a band as dynamic and powerful as them, so if you have yet to add Pinkshift to your everyday music rotation, what are you waiting for? We can’t wait to see what these punk-rockers have next hidden up their sleeve, but we know one thing - it will not disappoint.
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