Florida's hardcore titans, Gouge Away, are about to shake the scene with their upcoming album, "Deep Sage," slated for release on March 15th via Deathwish Inc with what may end up being an album of the year candidate. As the anticipation builds, the band has just released a surprise single, "Spaced Out," and it's a last-minute gem that almost didn't make the cut.
"I completely missed the conversation where everyone decided to scrap this song," reveals vocalist Christina Michelle. "The guys all felt it was the most unfinished compared to our other demos, but I heard a fun and short banger. I had a ton of fun writing the lyrics at home, imagining different voices trading off. Our friends Haley Butters, Meghan O'Neil, and Jasmine Watson came to the studio to lend their voices super last minute, and they really helped make this song come to life. Now we love that this song made it onto the record."
Despite being initially deemed unfinished, "Spaced Out" packs a punch of hardcore energy in less than two minutes. Yes, those friends the track features additional vocals from are the same powerhouses you're thinking: Haley Butters (Pale Green Stars/Trauma Ray), Meghan O'Neil (Punch/Super Unison, King Woman), and Jasmine Watson (Torso/Ceremony).
The song is a slight departure from Gouge Away's usual melodic and dynamic approach, offering a full-on hardcore experience. Christina Michelle's bellowing vocals express the need for space, while the gang vocals add an extra layer of intensity to the already heavy-hitting track.
As Gouge Away continues to push the boundaries of their sound, "Spaced Out" is a testament to their refusal to conform. It's a hardcore rager that demands attention and sets the stage for "Deep Sage" to be a defining moment in their discography.