Press Play: Descendents

The Descendents recently dropped their first album in 12 years.  RSU’s very own Tip Toasty had the opportunity to interview band member Stephen Egerton to discuss the newest album’s incarnation and how the band managed to bring the album into fruition.

Egerton disclosed that the album’s incarnation began with the band accepting offers to play shows.  The band had stopped their live performances due to drummer Bill Stevenson experiencing a multitude of physical ailments. Egerton expressed the gratefulness the band felt about the recovery Stevenson. He says in the interview that “We were all glad he’s still here” which is an indication of how serious Stevenson’s health issues were. After Stevenson’s recovery the band began playing shows, writing songs, and ultimately recording their newest album Hypercaffium Spazzinate.

The album title is a clear and direct reference to caffeine. This has been what some would call a Descendent tradition.  However, it seems that Hypercaffium Spazzinate is giving this tradition fresh perspective. The band is sending a message that preaches moderation.  They have been very honest about their overindulgence in caffeine throughout their albums. Namely, the songs “Mug, Mug, Mug “and “Bonus Cup”. Their revelation of how it has made a negative impact on their health, performance, and self-discipline is revealed in their interviews.Egerton revealed in his interview that the Descendents write about their current lives. The songs come from an organic place of experience. The timeline of the album’s birth being on the tail end of Stevenson’s recovery is reason enough to conclude that the band has gained a fresh perspective on what is important.  Although still very hardcore, there is more of an emphasis obvious emphasis on self-control and self-awareness that was not heard in previous albums. In the 12-year hiatus the band has grown and matured. Their experiences have made an obvious impact on their values. They emulate these lessons over the same hardcore pop punk sounds that listeners are used to.  Be sure to check the Descendents newest album Hypercaffium Spazzinate.  It’s high quality decaf with all the flavor of a dark roast.

Egerton revealed in his interview that the Descendents write about their current lives. The songs come from an organic place of experience. The timeline of the album’s birth being on the tail end of Stevenson’s recovery is reason enough to conclude that the band has gained a fresh perspective on what is important.  Although still very hardcore, there is more of an emphasis obvious emphasis on self-control and self-awareness that was not heard in previous albums. In the 12-year hiatus the band has grown and matured. Their experiences have made an obvious impact on their values. They emulate these lessons over the same hardcore pop punk sounds that listeners are used to.  Be sure to check the Descendents newest album Hypercaffium Spazzinate.  It’s high quality decaf with all the flavor of a dark roast.