The other day, someone on Discogs put in an offer for our PROVOKER Dark Angel tape. We thought about it for less than a second and then came to the conclusion that the tape was priceless. Especially now that I’ve heard the new collection of songs they’re getting ready to release. Provoker has mastered the art of playful melancholic post-punk with an endearing, effortless slacker vibe. Demon Compass is already everything I want to listen to all the time. The videos they’ve released for “It’s in My Head,” “Valley Ghoul,” and “Debt Collector” are the perfectly creepy horror monster visuals to accompany their beautifully macabre sound.
PROVOKER says the album is about inner demons, finding and examining the shadowy things that pop up in our lives whenever we’re faced with challenges. The beats on this record are powerful and sharp, like finally realizing what all the self-medicating is numbing out. The vocals are angelic and siren-like, calling you inward when the whole world wants you distracted by what’s outside. The melodies alternate hot and cold, embracing and menacing, and everything in between, but they’re never not addictive. I’m excited to spend more time with this album, but after just one listen “It’s in My Head” hasn’t left my head.
PROVOKER’s new album Demon Compass comes out on October 13th via YEAR0001 — pre-order it here. They’re on tour as of yesterday so make sure you check the dates below!
PROVOKER TOUR DATES (SUPPORTING GLAIVE):
SEPTEMBER 12 – CARBORO, NC – CAT’S CRADLE
SEPTEMBER 14 – BALTIMORE, MD – OTTOBAR
SEPTEMBER 15 – ASBURY PARK, NJ – ASBURY LANES
SEPTEMBER 16 – HAMDEN, CT – SPACE BALLROOM
SEPTEMBER 17 – BROOKLYN, NY – KNITTING FACTORY*
SEPTEMBER 18 – WORCESTER, MA – THE PALLADIUM UPSTAIRS
SEPTEMBER 19 – BURLINGTON, VT – HIGHER GROUND SHOWCASE LOUNGE
SEPTEMBER 20 – CLEVELAND, OH – MAHALL’S APARTMENT*
SEPTEMBER 21 – CINCINNATI, OH – TOP CATS
SEPTEMBER 22 – BLOOMINGTON, IL – THE CASTLE THEATRE
SEPTEMBER 23 – SPRINGFIELD, MO – THE OUTLAND BALLROOM
SEPTEMBER 25 – DENVER, CO – GOTHIC THEATRE
SEPTEMBER 27 – BOISE, ID – SHRINE BALLROOM
SEPTEMBER 29 – SEATTLE, WA – THE SHOWBOX
SEPTEMBER 30 – PORTLAND, OR – WONDER BALLROOM
OCTOBER 2 – ROSELAND, CA – GOLDFIELD TRADING POST
OCTOBER 4 – VENTURA, CA – VENTURA MUSIC HALL
OCTOBER 5 – SAN PEDRO, CA – THE SARDINE – WHALE ROOM*
OCTOBER 6 – POMONA, CA – THE GLASS HOUSE
OCTOBER 7 – PHOENIX, AZ – CRESCENT BALLROOM
*PROVOKER HEADLINE SHOW
https://provoker.zone/
