blessed-state-2013

Blessed State release first single from debut LP (stream it)

by Andrew Sacher

Blessed State @ O’Briens Pub – 4/14/13 (photo by Dave BrushBack)
Blessed State

We just mentioned that Northampton, MA punks Blessed State were working on the followup to their 2012 demo, and they’ve since revealed more details on the release. It’ll be an 8-song LP (release date TBA), and its first single, “Head Space,” is out now. Their demo was filled with Replacements-y flange-guitar arpeggios, and while the fretwork is still pretty busy here, they’re taking a more aggressive, overtly hardcore punk approach that’s closer to Paint It Black than it is to the ‘Mats. It doesn’t hurt that they’ve got beefier production courtesy of go-to Western Mass guy Justin Pizzoferrato (Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr, Speedy Ortiz) either. Check out the new song, along with a recent live video of another album track, “Best Case Scenario,” below.

As discussed, Blessed State will be making their return to NYC for a completely stacked show on December 6 at Shea Stadium with fellow Western Mass band California X, Syracuse noise punks Perfect Pussy, and Brooklyn garage punks Flagland. Tickets for this show go on sale Monday (10/28) at noon.

Song stream and video below…

Blessed State – “Head Space”

Blessed State – “Best Case Scenario” at Rowhaus in Holyoke, MA – 10/16/13