chokecherry is a duo known for their alternative, lush sounds, inspired by shoegaze and alt-rock. However, their latest single, “Major Threat”, sees a new punk-infused sound and a title that nods to the American hardcore band, Minor Threat.
“Major Threat”’s gritty and moody sound perfectly surrounds the lyrics that tell the story of a toxic situation. It blends their signature sound with raw, energetic punk elements.
The release was accompanied by a music video directed by chokecherry’s own vocalist and guitarist, Izzy Clark, along with Whitney Otte. It was shot on VHS and captures the edge of the song.
“I grew up on heavy surf punk — hello, Southern California — and this track brings me back to 2016-era mosh pits at the Teragram Ballroom in L.A. or the Velvet Jones in Santa Barbara,” Clark explains, “Vocally, I was very inspired by Brendan Yates (Turnstile) and Zack de La Rocha (Rage Against the Machine). The inspiration for the track came from a (fleeting) feeling of being discarded. The accompanying video is co-directed and pokes fun at the hell that is the 21st century dating scene.”
Vocalist and bassist E. Scarlett Levinson adds, “‘Major Threat’ is one of the few currently recorded chokecherry tracks that really allows listeners to dip their toes into our live energy. This includes mosh pits, screaming, and running into the crowd mid-song. It’s a direct homage to the scenes that shaped us and continue to do so, calling on inspirations like Turnstile and Mannequin Pussy.” She continues, “Of course, the bridge is packed out with classic chokecherry harmonies and layers, and the track concludes with a last-minute twist. The final lyrics are a nod to the toxic cycle of craving something (or someone) that’s rejecting you; it hurts like hell and drives you crazy, but in the end, getting left is probably for the best.”
It can be streamed here.
Ripe Fruit Rots and Falls
“Major Threat” is the second track off of the duo’s upcoming debut album Ripe Fruit Rots and Falls, set to release on November 14 through Fearless Records.
The 10-track album’s inspiration is deeply rooted in their early years exploring ‘90s post-rock and alt-rock, along with the queer music scene, pop, and even metal they encountered through local Bay Area shows.
Produced by Chris Coady, Christopher Grant, and Zach Tuch, the debut album dives into questions and emotions centered around human cruelty and empathy, with a powerful exploration of emotions. It is tender and intense, while personal and social.
The album can be pre-ordered and pre-saved here.
chokecherry On Tour
chokecherry will begin their first North American headlining tour with their album release show on November 14 in San Francisco, California. It will run through December 21, concluding in Salt Lake City. Special guests, The Sewing Club, will be joining them on the 21-day tour throughout the United States.
Tickets can be found here.
Tour Dates
11/14 — San Francisco, CA — Bottom of the Hill*
11/15 — Los Angeles, CA — Zebulon*
11/16 — Santa Ana, CA — Constellation Room*
11/29 — Phoenix, AZ — Valley Bar
11/30 — Albuquerque, NM — Launchpad
12/2 — Dallas, TX — Three Links
12/3 — Austin, TX — 29th St Ballroom
12/5 – Atlanta, GA — The Masquerade
12/6 — Nashville, TN — Cannery Hall
12/7 — Carrboro, NC — Cat’s Cradle
12/9 — Philadelphia, PA — Warehouse on Watts
12/10 — Baltimore, MD — Metro Gallery
12/11 — Queens, NY — TV Eye
12/12 — Cambridge, MA — Sonia
12/13 — Montreal, QC — Cabaret Foufounes
12/14 — Toronto, ON — Hard Luck Bar
12/16 — Columbus, OH — A&R Music Bar
12/17 — Chicago, IL — Cobra Lounge
12/18 — Columbia, MO — Rose Music Hall
12/20 — Denver, CO — Marquis
12/21 — Salt Lake City, UT — Kilby Court
*Record Release Show
