In a podcast interview Zach did a few months ago he said there would be a release this year but not new music. So maybe this is it? My delusional hope was that it could be a proper release of some of the early 7 inch/EP songs, which would’ve perfectly coincided with their BFF set. (Unfortunately I don’t work for the band because it would’ve been a great way to capitalize on that moment.)
Oh also, this was pages ago at this point, but I also never really connected with Drugs or Me. But I heard the demo version recently and sort of came around to it. The instrumentation is very different and cuts through some of the (possibly excessive) earnestness for me. But earnestness is a core trait of this band so I shouldn’t expect anything less from them.
I’m not super big on the track as a standalone, but damn, the way it comes in after Pain makes it absolutely perfect to me. The two are phenomenal companion pieces
Drugs or Me is an overall very good song, but it’s the weakest in the album for me. I know the band has always had earnest, heart on your sleeve lyircs, but the line “keep my heart somewhere drugs don’t go” always strikes me as too far on the corny side.
I have seen many people I know throw their lives away because of drugs. Drugs Or Me will always be one of my favorite JEW songs.
damn, I've played that quick preview from New Zealand iTunes like 12 times I can't wait to listen to the whole song tomorrow