The four-piece band Dead Poet Society was formed during their college years at Berklee College of Music in Boston back in 2013. After almost 8 years, the band released their debut album -!- (the exclamation album) in 2021. On -!- they combined elements of alternative rock, punk and pop. Now the band is back with their first double single of a new era, ‘Running in Circles / HURT’.
While the band already played ‘Running in Circles’ on their last European tour, ‘HURT’ is a completely new track that had not been performed live before its release. Neither was it teased as much as the A-side of the double single, making its surprise entry on streaming services and in the music video.
The song starts off with a catchy guitar riff and the vocals of lead singer Jack Underkofler. As soon as the chorus kicks in, so do the electric guitars and drums. Given the band’s dislike of most modern rock music, it comes as no surprise that their new release continues challenging rock conventions. Instrumentally influenced by heavier industry colleagues like Royal Blood, modern pop the likes of St. Vincent, and hip-hoppers like Tyler, the Creator, ‘Running in Circles’ and ‘HURT’ are examples of how Dead Poet Society experiment and break genre limitations with their music. ‘HURT’ displays the band’s lyrical prowess as they talk about the sacrifices made for chasing their dream and the anxiety induced self-doubt that comes with it. The track begins with a combative inner dialogue that will strike a chord for every listener, who dared to leave the traditional path behind to chase a dream.
Underkofler sings, “You need to get outta your head / You’re killing yourself again / You better get what you want / You only get one shot / You’re lighting yourself on fire / You know you aren’t going any higher / This is what you want but why? / You could have been just fine.”
‘HURT’ is an energetic rock banger with relatable lyrics that will catch your attention. Staying true to their roots, this new release makes for a great start to their new era with its sister-track ‘Running in Circles’. We are eager to hear the rest of the upcoming album – presumably titled Fission, as this is the name of their upcoming tour.
Check out Dead Poet Society’s double single and music video today.
Written by: Mandy Huibregtsen
Edited by: Laura Finkler
