Fizzy, frothy, and dangerous HAYLEY AND THE CRUSHERS Releases single “Cul-de-Sac” on June 1st
“If there was one particular band that almost saved 2020, it was Hayley and the Crushers. This band had my #2 album and my #2 single of the year in addition to releasing the awesome “Church of Flag” single earlier this month. This was certainly not the happiest year, but there’s always hope when you take up residence in the Crusherverse.” – Lordge Rutledge, Faster and Louder
“Like a Sour Patch Kid, Hayley & the Crushers are unapologetically bright and fun, with a wallop of mischief.”
– BUST Magazine “The naked embodiment of power pop punk!” – Josie Cotton
Fizzy, Frothy, and Still a Little Dangerous, HAYLEY AND THE CRUSHERS Release new single “Cul-de-Sac”
Inspired by The Stepford Wives Single drops everywhere June 1 courtesy of Kitten Robot Records
Listen here: https://ffm.to/culdesac
JUNE 1, 2021 (San Luis Obispo, CA) — Hayley and the Crushers‘ first new single of 2021 is a testament to how even the most sugary pop rock artists are feeling the collective COVID-19 hangover. Inspired by the eerie 1972 book The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin, “Cul-de-Sac” is a moody exploration of the feeling of being trapped by both internal and external forces. It is available on DSPs here: https://ffm.to/culdesac.
“2020 was a bitch, so it’s probably somewhat expected that the ‘summer jams’ of 2021 would be tinged with a bit of PTSD,” said front-woman and guitarist Hayley Crusher Cain. “My bassist and I were literally stuck hanging out in the cul-de-sac where we live. I’d walk the dog ten times a day, waving to the same neighbors. The paranoia and despair of a global pandemic unfolding day-to-day became part of the daily ritual, like watering the vegetables. This song reflects that silent screaming feeling that so many of us now know so well.”
For the hardworking and normally touring band, the downtime provided a chance to slow down, work out more complex material and focus on building new partnerships with impressive creative collaborators. “Cul-de-Sac” was recorded and mixed by legendary LA punk producer Paul Roessler (TSOL, Josie Cotton, Richie Ramone) at infamous New Wave icon Josie Cotton‘s Kitten Robot Studios in Los Angeles. Although several elements of the song were recorded remotely, the project came together in Roessler’s capable hands. An EP is planned for fall 2021.
“With his subtle organ flourishes and knack for creating layered emotions within a song, Paul was the perfect guy to help us express this visceral, uneasy feeling that simmers below the surface,” Cain added. “He also helped us create this lush, bittersweet chorus that soars toward freedom. It’s like candy, but it’s got this nasty aftertaste; just what we were feeling at the time.”
Iconic pop punk producer Mass Giorgini (who has worked with greats from Green Day’s Billie Joe and Mike Dirnt to All American Rejects, Rise Against, and Anti-Flag) mastered the tune, rounding out an already stellar team.
Photo credit: Thomas Ignatius
Hayley and the Crushers may have worked overtime to keep the darkness at bay in 2020—putting out a perky full length album Vintage Millennial, sunny 7” “Jacaranda,” and the mega-melodic breakout single “Church of Flag”—but that doesn’t mean they avoided the cosmic crash so many artists are experiencing now.
“Although 2021 has brought us exciting new music opportunities through the killer team at Kitten Robot, this has also been a time to pick up the pieces of our band and see how – and if – they fit back together. So many artists are seeing their purpose and direction in a new light. Yes, the future is much brighter, but we’re all waiting to see where we’ll go from here.”
Cain is, of course, a perpetual optimist – not unexpected if you’re a fan of the band’s sassy self-described “poolside glitter trash” vibe. For the scrappy surf punks, there is always post traumatic growth: a reason to dance, celebrate and share joy.
“Sure, we’ve let some muscles atrophy during COVID-19, but other parts of our music have deepened in surprising ways,” she said. “’Cul-de-Sac’ represents our dive into the deep end of the pool.”
Hayley and the Crushers are Hayley Crusher Cain (vocals, guitar), Dr. Cain, ESQ (bass), and Action Ben Cabreana (drums). “Cul-de-Sac” is available on DSPs via Kitten Robot Records here: https://ffm.to/culdesac.
