Starting life as a solo project by Fat Wreck signees Morning Glory’s Shawn Gardiner, Brogues have evolved into a melodic punk beast, set to drop their debut ‘Heart and Song’ later this month. Drawing influence from various punk and rock heroes, the result channels Jawbreaker, Against Me! and Alkaline Trio.
“We are real proud to be part of the great lineup at Paper + Plastick and very fortunate to have them releasing this debut album that took way too long for me to finally step up and record,” Gardiner enthuses, speaking of the band’s new home. “‘Heart and Song’ has a theme that definitely dictates the order of the songs. It’s all of the ups and downs emotionally that I’ve dealt with within a span of a year. This began as a solo/songwriting project with no real genre which is why I coined it ‘Loner’s Rock’ – the collection of unique songs and melodies felt internally when you’re alone that have no barrier or limit on emotion or style.”
New track ‘Heartbreak Club’ showcases Gardiner’s blend of catchy songwriting, blending melody with his introverted themes. “‘Heartbreak Club’ was a song I had for a bit that was always missing lyrics, and one day after a long relationship breakup it all came together,” Gardiner explains, demonstrating his musical openness. “That ugly feeling you may get pulled back into time and time again throughout your life that sometimes takes a while to dig out of. I think the phrase ‘heartbreak club’ came to me sitting at the bar when I just felt like I was in a cyclical roller coaster of emotions that was all too familiar.”
‘Heart and Song’ will be available from the 20th May via Paper + Plastick. Brogues will be performing at The Gutter in Brooklyn, New York on the 21st in support of the record.