San Diego

The Frights Join Epitaph Records

The Frights, acclaimed San Diego surf-punks, announce a new video -- and record deal

For many, Valentine’s Day is one of -- if not the -- most dreaded and dreadful of “holidays,” marked by no real significance other than its tired and cringeworthy commercialization. For some though, it’s a source of unbridled joy; the opportunity to shower a loved one with gifts, admiration, and some Barry White jams. However, if Barry’s soulful baritone doesn’t do it for you, maybe some Frights will?

On Wednesday morning, the acclaimed San Diego surf-punk band (which is comprised of guitarist/vocalist Mikey Carnevale, drummer Marc Finn, bassist Richard Dotson and guitarist Jordan Clark), who among other things recently took home the coveted 2017 SoundDiego Music Award for Artist of the Year, hand-delivered their own video valentine to the brokenhearted: “Valentine’s Sux.” Yeah!

The new lament, which features sad-face-emoji lyrics like “As if February ain’t cold enough / You had to go and break my heart / I made six reservations just in case of cancellation / But I guess we can eat dinner apart,” would be cause for celebration among fans as is but it comes on the heels of another even bigger reveal: The Frights have also announced that they’ve signed to Epitaph Records. Whoa.

Let that sink in for a minute. Just 4 1/2 years ago (seems like yesterday to be honest), the band was rocking their costumed hearts out at our SoundDiego LIVE Halloween party at the Office -- and they weren’t even headlining!

Now, they’ve hit the big time like we always knew they would by joining the legendary rock/punk label that currently features bands like Bad Religion, Descendents, Falling in Reverse, Every Time I Die, Pennywise, Rancid, Social Distortion, the Offspring and Weezer (can we put in an early request for a Weezer/Frights tour next year? Fingers crossed).

For their part, Epitaph sent out their own press release early Wednesday confirming the new roster addition.

"We couldn't be more excited to start a new path with Epitaph," Carnevale said in the statement. "Some of our favorite bands have been on this label and it seems pretty bizarre that we're joining them. Super, super stoked."

We are, too. Be sure to be at the group’s own You Are Going to Hate This Fest III on Feb. 17 at SOMA with a ton of other rad artists (and snag tickets here while you can because it’ll sell out soon for sure).

Congratulations, guys!

Dustin Lothspeich books The Merrow and runs the music equipment-worshipping blog Gear and Loathing in San Diego. Follow his updates on Twitter or contact him directly.

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