Sucker Punch Ignites On 'Better Pleasures' EP

Listen to “Better Pleasures” on DSPs

SUCKER PUNCH FUSE INGENUITY AND NOSTALGIA ON ‘BETTER PLEASURES’

Sucker Punch’s introspective and hard-hitting EP Better Pleasures proves the New Jersey band is among the up-and-coming class of pop punk.

With lyrics examining relationships - with the self, with others, what happens when they come apart - and tones ranging from mosh-worthy bridges and gang vocals to airy, atmospheric soundscapes, Sucker Punch’s dynamic and focused songwriting is on display on all four tracks.

“Worst Case Ontario” showcases the group’s ability to combine their sound with unique inspiration - including 2009 cult classic horror film Jennifer’s Body. Detailing a soul doomed to a siren’s song, a blistering guitar riff leads the narrator to accept his fate in the fictional town Devil’s Kettle.

“I’m Ready To Ride Giants, Kunu” is a refreshing look at Sucker Punch’s capabilities in asserting themselves with careful attention to vulnerability. Anxieties are countered and the song’s mantra “I’d kill to never feel this way again” encourages resilience.

Lyrical themes address doubt and fear of failure head-on yet maintain determination through uncertainty. In the spirited opener “Incognito Mode,” the question is posed, “A little hit of dopamine / Is that too much to ask for me? / I’ve been here before / But I’m not at the wheel.” More tender moments shine through in the second half of the EP. “We exist in my memories right where we belong / It pains me we’re both better off,” leads to acceptance in the refrain of “You Exist.”

Striking breakdowns direct the heavier tracks’ bursting energy while the more pensive songs’ stirring emotions elicit reflection. Influenced by emo-tinged pop punk icons like Fall Out Boy, Sucker Punch references the genre’s pioneers while avoiding cliches.

Guitarist Billy Butka spoke about the EP’s creation and its place in Sucker Punch’s catalog. “Better Pleasures is our most ambitious record to date. We were inspired to take risks and try out new things to really bring out the energy and emotion in this group of songs. We tackle issues of hedonism and self-doubt while urging listeners to find more worthwhile and sustainable sources of happiness and a better sense of self-worth."

Sucker Punch will celebrate Better Pleasures’ release at the House of Independents in Asbury Park, New Jersey on November 4th, 2023.  Halogens, Grin & Bear, Idle Wave & Sonoa will round out the bill.

IN THE HEADLINES

“You can hear themes of betrayal and inertia in the lyrics, ‘this small town will never be the same / Devil’s Kettle will become my grave.’ With an aggressive pace and a smoothly blended vocal-guitar combo, the track is an easy, mosh-pit-inducing listen.” ~ New Noise Magazine on “Worst Case Ontario.”

“‘I’m Ready To Ride Giants, Kunu’ opens with a gentle start, gradually building to a powerful, infectious chorus. The song cleverly blends softer pop-punk style vocals with moments of harsher vocals, evoking the inner monologue that often plays in one's mind or the ‘anxious inner narrations.’” ~ The MIC

Sucker Punch - Better Pleasures

1. Incognito Mode

2. Worst Case Ontario

3. You Exist

4. I'm Ready to Ride Giants, Kunu (featuring Chris LoPorto of Can't Swim)

All songs written by Sucker Punch

Produced by Pat Risi of Bear Away Studios

Tracks 1, 3, 4 mixed and mastered by Adam Cichocki

Track 2 mixed by Matt Weber of Gradwell House Recordings

Track 2 mastered by Dave Downham of Gradwell House Recordings

Cover art by Design After Death

Hometown: Montclair, New Jersey

Release Date: October 20th, 2023

Genre: Pop Punk, Emo

FFO:  The Story So Far, A Day To Remember, New Found Glory

ABOUT SUCKER PUNCH

Sucker Punch is a fresh and hard-hitting band with old ties to both the New Jersey and Philly DIY punk scenes. Garnering influences from The Story So Far, early Fall Out Boy, and New Found Glory, this band bridges the gap between the early 2000s emocore wave of bands, and the current movement of emo and pop punk. Sucker Punch aims to take a strong focus on personal and self-reflective lyrical content, framed within upbeat and catchy riffs and melodies. Within months of starting as a solo project, the band now consists of lifelong friends who all share the same passion for both alternative music and culture. Their soon-to-be-released EP Better Pleasures will take the band’s sound in a more dynamic and anthemic direction.

SUCKER PUNCH ARE

Chris Steele - Vocals

Billy Butka - Guitar

Tyler Patchell - Drums

Giulio Bozzone - Guitar / Harsh Vocals

Will Smith - Bass

Andy Katz - Guitar / Vocals