Laura Jane Grace. Credit: Travis Shinn. Download hi-res HERE.
Polyvinyl Record Company and Laura Jane Grace just released a new album entitled Hole In My Head. The album was recorded at Native Sound in St. Louis, Missouri with David Beeman and mixed by Matt Allison (The Lawrence Arms, Rise Against). Hole In My Head showcases warm, ‘50s rock-influenced guitar riffs, saved-for-later lyrics, love letters to new surroundings, and thoughtful reflections on a punk life lived. Grace’s commanding vocals are backed predominately by her performances on guitar and drums, and bolstered by Drive-By Truckers bassist Matt Patton, whose presence rounds out a full-band sound on over half the album.
stream and purchase HERE
Additionally, Grace and her band will be touring behind Hole In My Head this March, May and July across the U.S. and Canada with support from Worriers, Sam Russo, Thelma and the Sleaze and Dikembe in select markets. Tickets for all shows are on sale now via Grace’s site HERE, and a full listing of dates can be found below.
A musical force since Against Me!'s debut in the late-’90s and one of Billboard Magazine’s “50 Greatest Rock Lead Singers Of All Time,” punk veteran Laura Jane Grace has never shied away from themes of political commentary, environmentalism, social critique and candid self-exploration. On Hole In My Head, she continues to showcase her songwriting genius across the 11 tracks presented here, issuing an album that captures the nuances of humanity and experience in a strangely optimistic manner. The lightness of its influence and the journalistic recollection of experience set against a battered and warm folk-punk delivery from beginning to end make Hole In My Head a refreshing comfort and a welcome embrace of life.
From the scrappy acoustic anthem “Dysphoria Hoodie,” the Jonathan Richman-inspired “I’m Not A Cop” and the jangle of “Punk Rock in Basements,” a Dion-inspired song where she looks back on the formative underground spaces of her youth, Hole In My Head also takes time to reflect on Grace’s ongoing travels and adopted homes, themes that have always been at the heart of her songwriting. Written in Amsterdam on a black hollow-body Gretsch guitar that was hand-painted by her friend Gakkin, “Birds Talk Too” is a song that commemorates Grace’s recent experience of having her head shaved and tattooed by the famed Japanese artist.
Laura Jane Grace, a renowned punk veteran, has released a new album titled "Hole In My Head" in collaboration with Polyvinyl Record Co. The album features a total of 11 tracks and is a testament to Grace's songwriting genius. The tracks cover a range of themes, including political commentary, environmentalism, social critique, and candid self-exploration. Grace's commanding vocals are accompanied by warm, '50s rock-influenced guitar riffs throughout the album. The album was recorded in Native Sound in St. Louis, Missouri, with David Beeman and mixed by Matt Allison.
The album's first track is "Dysphoria Hoodie," which is a scrappy acoustic anthem that highlights Grace's impeccable delivery of poignant lyrics. Another standout track is "I'm Not A Cop," which is inspired by Jonathan Richman's music and features a jangle that is both refreshing and unique. The album also includes "Punk Rock in Basements," a Dion-inspired song where Grace looks back on the formative underground spaces of her youth.
Throughout the album, Grace reflects on her travels and adopted homes, which have always been at the heart of her songwriting. In "Birds Talk Too," a song written in Amsterdam, Grace commemorates her recent experience of having her head shaved and tattooed by the famed Japanese artist, Gakkin. The song features a black hollow-body Gretsch guitar that was hand-painted by Gakkin himself.
The album's full-band sound is bolstered by Drive-By Truckers bassist Matt Patton, who makes an appearance on over half the album. Grace and her band plan to tour across the U.S. and Canada in March, May, and July to promote the album. As a musician with several years of experience, Grace has been recognized as one of Billboard Magazine's "50 Greatest Rock Lead Singers Of All Time." Her unique style and ability to capture the nuances of humanity and experience in a strangely optimistic manner make "Hole In My Head" a refreshing and welcoming embrace of life.
Laura Jane Grace will be making the following appearances in 2024. Dates below with more to be added soon.
MARCH
02 — Indianapolis, IN — The Vogue ^
03 — Columbus, OH — A&R Music Bar ^
05 — Pittsburgh, PA — Spirit Hall ^
06 — Philadelphia, PA — Underground Arts ^
08 — Hamden, CT — Space Ballroom ^
09 — New York, NY — Racket ^
10 — Somerville, MA — Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre ^
12 — Washington, DC — Howard Theatre ^
13 — Virginia Beach, VA —Elevation 27 ^
15 — Durham, NC — Motorco Music Hall ^
16 — Knoxville, TN — Bijou Theatre ^
17 — Nashville, TN — City Winery ^
19 — New Orleans, LA — Tipitina’s ^
20 — Birmingham, AL — Saturn ^
22 — San Antonio, TX — Paper Tiger ^
23 — Houston, TX — Warehouse Live Midtown ^
24 — Fort Worth, TX — Tulips ^
MAY
10 — Milwaukee, WI — Vivarium +
11 — Grand Rapids, MI — The Pyramid Scheme +
12 — Kitchener, ON — The Hub +
14 — Kingston, ON — The Broom Factory +
15 — Toronto, ON — The Axis Club +
17 — Hamilton, ON — Bridgeworks #
18 — Ottawa, ON — Brass Monkey +
19 — Montreal, QC — Pouzza Fest
21 — Sudbury, ON — The Grand +
22 — Oshawa, ON — Biltmore Theatre +
24 — Detroit, MI — El Club +
25 — Cleveland Heights, OH — Grog Shop +
26 — Covington, KY — Madison Theater +
JULY
5—7 — Gilbert, PA — Camp Punkslyvania
^ — with Thelma and the Sleaze, Dikembe
+ — with Worriers and Sam Russo
# — with Sam Russo
Hole In My Head album cover art. Download hi-res HERE.
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