Rancid’s frontman joins the hardcore pioneers as they return to the studio.
Twenty eight years after the release of their last studio album, the Circle Jerks have returned to the recording studio where they’ve been joined by Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong.
The hardcore pioneers had been more busy lately celebrating their legacy, with Trust Records reissuing ‘Group Sex’ and ‘Wild in the Streets’ and last year’s concert run that leant heavily on those 1980 and 1982 albums.
But now that touring line-up of Keith Morris, Greg Hetson, Zander Schloss and Joey Castillo have been recording new material, according to producer Raul ‘Riff’ Cuellar, whose production CV includes NOFX, State Champs and Fishbone. He also confirmed Tim Armstrong’s presence during the sessions.
“I’ve been pinching myself daily since because I never imagined I’d be in this incredible position. Circle Jerks, a band that embodied the raw essence of street culture, chaos, and rebellion, have been a lifelong fascination. Hearing their stories, feeling their energy – it’s a dream come true.
“The music they’ve crafted is a testament to their unique spirit. From clever drum rhythms to infectious riffs and powerful lyrics, they epitomize everything I adore about punk. I’m bursting with pride over what we’ve created together,” Cuellar said on Instagram.
If the recent sessions lead to a new Circle Jerks album it’ll be the hardcore punk rock band’s first new long-player since 1995’s ‘Oddities, Abnormalities and Curiosities’.
Meanwhile Circle Jerks bassist Zander Schloss’ sophomore solo album, ‘Californias Burning’, came out digitally last week and singer Keith Moriss’ band Off! continues to tour in support of last year’s superlative ‘Free LSD’. The band’s drummer Joey Castillo has also been touring with California punk rock band Bl’ast – who also have a new record in the works.
Follow Circle Jerks on Their Socials
Need more Punk In Your Life?
EP review: No Real Hero – ‘H’
Hailing from Montreal, Canada, ‘H’ is No Real Hero’s first release of new material since 2018. The band originally emerged in 2012 as a hard
Live review: Vive Le X-Mess 2024, London Water Rats, 4th Dec
Ah, the Vive Le Rock magazine X-Mess gig – it’s becoming a great tradition indeed. The Water Rats gets increasingly packed and sweaty tonight, and
Live review: Chubby And The Gang, London Hackney Moth Club, 3rd Dec 2024
Chubby and the Gang’s Charles ‘Chubby’ Manning Walker is – by his own admission – not a man of words. It matters little, because this
Album review: Hung Like Hanratty release ‘Welcome to the Future’
From Sutton in Ashfield, UK, Hung Like Hanratty are one of the most well-known, hilarious, fun punk bands around! They have played hundreds of gigs
Live review: Grade 2 / Pickled Dick / Everyone Lies at the Boileroom, Guildford 2/12/24
Marvellous Punk music made Monday night a fun night – Grade 2’s end-of-year tour is a must-see! First support are Southampton’s excellent SkatePunk band Everyone
Live review: The Skinner Brothers – a stunning night of mayhem!
Nottingham’s iconic live music venue, The Bodega, played host to the electrifying Skinner Brothers, delivering an unforgettable show that perfectly captured the essence of their
An occasional writer on punk rock.
Click on Dom’s photo for more of his articles