Well, here’s a welcome return. After shaking up the world of melodic punk rock with standout LPs in 2018 and 2020, Durham, North Carolina’s Personality Cult are finally back with album number three (Dilated)—and the wait was worth it.
Beyond the sheer quality of their earlier records, here are a few more reasons to get excited:
One, the band features (ex-)members of Paint Fumes, Last Years Men, Natural Causes, Bass Drum of Death, Missing Pages, Mind Spiders, Sweet Talk, Sweet Knives, and more.
Two, Dilated is produced by Jeff Burke (Marked Men, Radioactivity) and engineered by longtime collaborator Ian Rose.
Three, it’s released by the legendary Dirtnap Records.
Four—and most importantly—just listen to the songs!
These ten tracks are classic Personality Cult: sharp, hooky, and high-energy. While the pace is a touch less frantic and the edges slightly more polished than before, don’t let the album title fool you into thinking they’ve softened up. Dilated delivers catchy, dynamic songwriting with all the vigor and urgency you’d expect.
I love discovering new bands, but rediscovering an old favorite through certified fresh material? That remains a special kind of thrill!
Add to wantlist: Bandcamp || Green Noise