Pandemic Panic Shapes Old News’ “In Stasis”

Returning to the studio for the first time since their debut LP, Self-Acceptance Speech, Old News is back with a new single, “In Stasis”.

The band’s first release as a quintet, “In Stasis” dives into COVID’s impact on the hearts and minds of the members, juxtaposing the stillness of the streets with the frantic feelings felt during the pandemic’s peaks. Harris’ illustrative lyricism contrasts tranquility and anxiety, internal and externality, using the juxtaposition to explore the frontman’s acceptance of aging. A similar duality plays out instrumentally, as the quintet weaves together their calling card odd-time antics with their catchiest chorus to date, balancing their UK math-rock influences with Blue Album era emo sensibilities. “In Stasis” shows the band fully in control of their sound - and their trajectory - as they return to the stage in 2022. 

The band’s new line-up is on full display throughout the single’s runtime, as the newly minted members, guitarist Joe Webster and pianist Sage Judd, contribute a bevy of new textures and intertwining instrumentation. Max Abood’s virtuosic drumming leans back in the pocket and yields space to Martin’s neo-soul influenced bassline, giving the single a sense of swagger and punch. Harris’ voice alternates between airy and throat-rending, showcasing his dynamic vocal delivery. The band’s new sound retains a remarkable amount of clarity for a group of their size (and volume), but retains the same character that got them named one of Alternative Press’ Artists You Need To Hear.

“In Stasis” shows Old News once again punching far above their weight class. The single was recorded with Braxton Matlock at JTL Group in Kansas City, a hidden gem studio at the heart of a blossoming emo/post-hardcore scene in the midwest. For mastering, the band turned again to the engineer responsible for Self-Acceptance Speech’s finishing touches, John Naclerio, who lended his years of expertise with Microwave, My Chemical Romance, and Senses Fail to the quintet’s newest project. Matlock and Naclerio’s sonic approaches come together to imbue “In Stasis” with a pummeling, bursting-at-the-seams sound that somehow maintains the band’s dynamic range. 

Stream the new single here!