Today NYC-based rock group, THE RITUALISTS, are releasing their debut record, PAINTED PEOPLE via Out of Line Music, showcasing their unflinching combination of post-punk ethos, arena-ready choruses, and psychedelic freak-outs which has been likened to such iconic bands such as Placebo, Suede, Echo & the Bunnymen, among others.
Melodic, hook-laden choruses are also not a rare commodity on Painted People. "With this record, I've specifically tried to be anthemic," admits frontman Christian Dryden. "I've always loved going to shows, where immediately after the performance, and even on the ensuing days after, you just can't help but remember and sing the songs you've just heard. Its almost like a higher form of communication."Purchase or stream Painted People on your favorite streaming service here!
Check out the group's video for "Ice Flower" which premiered on Post-Punk.com, and features professional wrestlers pushing papers before standing up to fight each other to the death. The video theatrically visualizes the degrading, dehumanizing, and violent tendencies of corporate life, while also putting an emphasis on the ridiculous and rehearsed nature of it all.
"Ice Flower," finds its foundation in a repeated bass groove before bursting into a sea of expansive guitar lines. The chorus rips through the ethereal textures and frantic tones, as Dryden stretches his voice, navigating through the chaos with an impassioned, melodic hook.
The Ritualists have also announced two new shows at Berlin Under A in NYC on August 24th and O'Briens in Boston on September 26th. Painted People is out TODAY, August 2nd, via Out of Line Music.
Photo credit: Sam Keeler
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