LA’s Joker’s Hand take the Pop sensibilities of Blink-182 (Think lesser known Enema Of The State bangers and anthems like, ahem, “Anthem” or “Dumpweed” as a template) and combine it with the harder edge of a band like Social Distortion (In this case, we’re talkin’ White Light White Heat White Trash era) to give you the best Power Pop Punk you never knew you needed in your life. Which is the case with the new single and video for “Goth Girlfriend” which ponders the question of what it would sound like if Mark Hoppus fronted Social D.
The song: In a nutshell? Catchy AF (That’s short for “As Fuck” for all you non-hip people out there). Guitarist/vocalist Kevin Kawano’s earnestness and genuine charisma shines through in the delivery here accented by Matthew Lau’s rippin’ guitar accompaniment and an all around modern Pop Punk aesthetic.
The video: Directed by Javier Juanillo, it’s almost like a modern ode to “We’re Not Gonna Take It” except in this case our hero (Kawano) is battling against submission from an overbearing religious Father (Played by Bassist Matthew Denis) for the right to choose submission from the titular “Goth Girlfriend” exquisitely portrayed by Lunar Jackal! Kids, I’m not going to explain a Dom/Sub relationship to you here, okay? Google is a thing that works. Really well.
As a total viewing and listening experience they’re unstoppable and a welcome first taste of the forthcoming new EP, All-American Rage, due on December 7th. For now, seek comfort in the knowledge that the video and single for “Goth Girlfriend” are out now and you can get your visual and aural fix and more by heading here. For the latest on Joker’s Hand, follow them across the world wide web on the socials by heading here, here, or here.