Over the past decade, Drug Church has quietly cemented themselves as one of the most exciting and dynamic punk bands currently around. With every album, they have perfected the art of blending catchy, aggressive anthems that are both emotionally raw and irresistibly infectious. Their fifth full-length album, PRUDE, is more than just another release—it’s a perfect snapshot of everything that makes them great. At just 28 minutes, it demands your attention from start to finish. The album effortlessly combines intense, hook-heavy hardcore with surprising moments of tenderness and insight, making it their most emotionally charged and musically refined work to date.
The title PRUDE is both a playful jab and a warning, reflecting the band’s signature blend of irreverence and emotional honesty. If you’re expecting a dramatic shift in sound or self-important statements, this is not the album for you. Drug Church creates music because they love the process, and that joy comes through loud and clear in every track. PRUDE is a record that revels in the freedom of making music on their own terms, and that energy is contagious.
The album kicks off with “Mad Care,” immediately setting the tone. Starting with a dreamy intro, it quickly shifts into a punchy, riff-heavy chorus, highlighting the band’s ability to balance raw hardcore intensity with catchy, melodic hooks. This theme of aggression tempered with melody runs throughout the record, creating a sound that is both thrilling and fun, never feeling overcomplicated or forced. The mic of chaos and cohesion keeps it exciting, and the relentless energy never lets up.
Lyrically, Patrick Kindlon continues to shine with his sharp, incisive commentary. PRUDE sees him at his most emotionally complex, exploring a range of heavy topics such as self-destructive behavior, the struggles of marginalized people, and the absurdities of modern life. Songs like “Hey Listen” and “Slide 2 Me” tackle these issues with a mix of raw emotion and dark humor, avoiding the trap of preachiness. Instead, they feel like personal stories about confusion and frustration, delivered with Kindlon’s trademark blend of wit and vulnerability.
The production, which was overseen by longtime collaborator Jon Markson, is crisp and powerful, with an emphasis on the rhythm section. Drummer Chris Villeneuve and bassist Pat Wynne lay down a solid foundation, while guitarists Nick Cogan and Cory Galusha add intricate, memorable riffs. The result is a dynamic sound that feels tight but still allows room for the band’s energy to burst through, especially during the breakdowns that have become a defining feature of their style.
What sets PRUDE apart is its ability to mix fun and serious themes. “Business Ethics” tells a wild, drug-fueled story about a self-kidnapping, full of punk energy, yet there’s a hidden sadness beneath the madness, reflecting on people stuck in destructive cycles. Similarly, “Chow” and “The Bitters” aim for the rise of moral superiority, using sharp humor to expose the hypocrisies both within the punk culture and society at large. Kindlon is not lecturing; he is venting frustration, but there is also a recognition of how out of control things have gotten. This is a more thoughtful, introspective side of the band, and it feels like a natural evolution of their perspective over the years.
The album reaches its emotional peak with “Yankee Trails” and “Peer Review”, two of Drug Church’s most authentic songs to date. The former offers a raw portrayal of a friend’s struggle with addiction, while the latter closes the album with a powerful anthem for anyone who has ever felt judged or misunderstood. Both tracks feature massive, sing-along choruses, making them perfect for a live setting and giving the album its emotional resonance.
Ultimately, PRUDE is a culmination of everything Drug Church has been building for the past decade. Every song feels vital–full of sharp lyrics, infectious riffs, and huge choruses. The band’s evolution is evident here, but it does not come at the expense of what made them great to begin with. While PRUDE might feel a little “softer” than their past work, it still carries the same passion, intensity, and the attitude that defines Drug Church. It’s a sign of growth without regression, and it proves that their best work is still ahead of them. With PRUDE, Drug Church has refined their sound into something even more powerful, and the result is a rewarding album that speaks to their evolution as both musicians and people.
