Drones’ forthcoming album ‘Our Hell Is Right Here’ is an extremely personal journey for vocalist Lois McDougall and the latest single to be revealed from the record is no exception.
“‘Epitaph’ is the emo anthem of our new record,” says McDougall. “The umbrella term ‘mental health’ is so widespread and complex that it can be hard to pinpoint the exact problem that one person is experiencing. That’s why conversation is so important to try and unwrap the layers of each individual‘s struggles. Personally, I’ve done a lot of exploring over the last few years to try and find out which wires are crossed for me and since writing this song I have finally found some appeasing answers. A diagnosis can really help free you from the spiraling mess that depression can cause, and writing Epitaph was just one step of that process for me.”
Crammed with high-octane punk anthems, ‘Our Hell Is Right Here’ will be released February 12, 2021 via Thousand Islands Records in North America with Lockjaw Records releasing the full length in the UK. “It’s been a pretty rough ride for the past couple of years,” says vocalist Lois McDougall when looking back on the journey the band have been on to get to this point. “But I struggle with claiming my problems and sadness as valid because they are disproportionate to the danger and loss that many face every day. It got to the point where I was almost ashamed to write songs about my own life. However, I’m learning that personal care and self-worth is not something to be diminished. There are songs on this album that I had to write for my own therapy. Whilst writing this record, I went through a divorce, lost a family member and was battling with my own mental health. At the same time, it felt like the world was falling apart. ‘Our Hell Is Right Here’ is the product of my experiences over the past few months. There’s a lot of sadness on this record, but I can now look back and celebrate who I have become in spite of it all.”
The album’s title track ‘Our Hell Is Right Here’ – an emphatic condemnation of abuses of power, featuring a guest turn from Petrol Girls’ Ren Aldridge – is out now too. And a further album track – ‘Josephine’ – was also released several weeks ago. It’s another deeply personal journey with McDougall, addressing her past unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Its accompanying music video features intricate models of each band member, crafted by animator William Davies, embarking on a journey to another world.
Since their inception, Drones have been building a name for themselves with their powerfully energetic live shows and unique punk-fueled post-hardcore stylings. Their highly-conceptual debut album ‘Exiled’ was released in 2018 and packed a punch. From playing underground squats to appearing on festival stages, Drones are more than ready to hit the road again when the current climate allows. The band have already supported the likes of Marmozets, Neck Deep, Gallows, Funeral For A Friend, Mallory Knox, Young Guns and H2O, as well as playing Download festival and packing out their own headline shows.
DRONES ARE:
Lois McDougall – vocals
Tom Thain – guitar
Tim Kramer – guitar / backing vocals
James Kerr – bass / backing vocals
Mitchell Thomas – drums
Album Pre-order: https://thousandislandsrecords.com/2020/07/29/drones-our-hell/
Stream “Epitaph” here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/drones1/epitaph