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What’s up Sorry Staters?
I missed last week, huh? After reading Daniel’s breakdown of where he’s been at in terms of mental health and general spirits, I thought I’d briefly do the same. It’s kinda funny, because I feel sure thousands of people read this newsletter thing we do. Thousands? Maybe more like hundreds? I dunno, haha. But for whatever reason, sometimes it feels easier to divulge feelings in this format. Does it feel like oversharing? I dunno. Perhaps it’s more like shouting into the void. Mainly because I’m not sure how many of you readers even pay that close attention. Or care, for that matter. But if you do, I appreciate your patience and understanding. I won’t go too deeply into detail, but sometimes when I’m not doing so hot emotionally, it does feel difficult to muster energy to write thoughtful reviews about punk records. Boohoo, amirite? But yeah whatever, because of that, I apologize for my absence from time to time.
That said, I’ve been feeling excited about playing records again lately. Played a bunch of classic singles the other night. Gazing into the haunting stare of Rikk Agnew on the back cover of the Posh Boy “Amoeba” single gets one inspired. Or freaked out. But I feel like Sorry State has had a lot of exciting new releases coming thru the shop lately. One comes to mind… I think I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the new Totalitär record.
A new record by the Swedish legends in the year 2026? Some of you jaded cynics out there might have rolled your eyes at the idea. Me? I said, “Oh yeah, baby. Bring it.” So… did I pre-order the limited edition transparent black with silver splatter vinyl? Yes, I did. Did also purchase a white vinyl copy for myself from Sorry State’s stock when they arrived? Yes, I did. Did I listen to the record digitally several times before the vinyl even arrived on my doorstep? You’re goddamn right I did. What can I say? I’m a nerd. Totalitär has remained consistently one of the most influential and important bands in my life as an HCPMF.
Now, as for my thoughts on the new stuff: I actually had many of my fellow Totalitär fanatic friends reach out and ask my thoughts. People in the punk community whose opinions I value and trust, mind you. Nice to feel perhaps they value mine as well, me being the well-read scholar on all things Hudiksvall hardcore that I am. One criticism I guess I’ve heard is how shredded Poffen’s vocals sound. Firstly, they’ve always sounded shredded. Secondly, the dude’s been screaming in hardcore punk bands since the 80s. Thirdly, show the man some respect.
This 2026 eponymous LP is the band’s first release in nearly 20 years. It’s the classic lineup of Lanchy on guitar, Jallo on drums, and Andreas on bass (and perhaps writing the lyrics?). Plus, some Kenko on guest guitar for good measure. And I gotta say. Riffs? Check. Drumming? Check. Production? Big check. I can’t remember my thoughts concerning the production on various other Totalitär-affiliated projects over the years like Dissekerad or Exploatör, but man, I just think this new LP sounds fantastic. Guitar tone is ace. Still to this day, I still find that with the general feel of the songwriting, guitar playing, riffs, chord changes, etc.—while always familiar stylistically, I still find myself picking out fresh and clever rhythmic ideas. Lanchy, after all, is the master. In some ways, with a Totalitär record, you know what you’re getting yourself into. Much like Out Cold, the Ramones, or Motorhead, the band reliably delivers. And it’s so rad to feel like I’m pumped on a new one coming out. I cranked the record loud as fuck when I was opening the store the other day and just felt totally pumped.
Welp, that’s all I’ve got. As always, thanks for reading. And don’t worry, I’ve got horror/spooky season staff picks coming down the pipeline for future October newsletters.
‘Til next week,
-Jeff