Cartel – “Oxy Moron”

Discussion in 'Article Discussion' started by Melody Bot, Mar 27, 2026.

  1. Melody Bot

    Your friendly little forum bot. Staff Member

    This article has been imported from chorus.fm for discussion. All of the forum rules still apply.

    Coming hot off the re-recorded version of Chroma, Cartel have officially dropped the first taste of new music from their yet to be announced new album, with this single of “Oxy Moron.” The blast of pop-punk energy comes through the speakers in the early-going and rarely lets up. The first few verses find front-man Will Pugh at his most self-deprecating as he sings, “Maybe I’m a loser / Maybe not / Maybe I’m a loner / That hangs out a lot.” The combined, full-sounding guitars from Pugh and Joseph Pepper bounce off of the speakers warmly as Cartel get their sea legs back in the crowded and resurgent pop-punk scene.

    As the song gets going, Pugh shouts out some words that Cartel had been teasing leading up to the release of “Oxy Moron” with, “Catatonic / Apathetic / Paranoid / Apocalyptic / Catastrophic / Hyperbolic / Where’s the void? / It’s giving panic.” The breakneck pace in this bridge showcases that Cartel have plenty left in the tank, and it keeps the interest sky high in their upcoming new album to be released later on this year. Cartel have no trouble finding the right balance between peak pop-punk nostalgia paired with improved musicianship to continue their acceleration to the finish line. This band shows little signs of slowing down anytime soon, and this energetic single is proof.

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  2. simonbelmont

    Regular

    Nice review. Killer song.
     
    paythetab likes this.
  3. ballroomtrance

    Regular

    Production is heavy as shit. I love it.
     
    paythetab likes this.
  4. artbynickferran

    nickferran.com

    This fucks
     
    paythetab likes this.
  5. Eml182

    Regular

    Found this on Tidal, but also found a different song. Cartel - I am OK released 2 weeks ago?

    edit: this was ai slop. Do not listen as its not them.
     
    Swallowed Up likes this.
  6. jesseisabigdeal

    Trusted

    this is fucking sick.
     
  7. jesseisabigdeal

    Trusted

    i don't like PTV but some of the vocals here remind me of them. maybe it's just me though.
     
  8. Swallowed Up

    Regular

    Holy cow, that's all I could hear the first 30 seconds or so of the song. Wild.
     
    jesseisabigdeal likes this.
  9. Punkrocker

    Wiping brings down the rainforest

    This song is great and feels like a natural continuation of cycles/collider, especially cycles. I look forward to see what else they have in store!
     
  10. jesseisabigdeal

    Trusted

    it was bothering me and it took me a while to find the comparison but i'm glad i'm not alone on this one.
     
    Swallowed Up likes this.