Louisville-based band Charm School has released a new music video for their song "Crime Time," packed with throwbacks to 90s pop culture and even featuring a special guest appearance from a local music legend. The band, fronted by Andrew Sellers, also includes Matt Filip, Drew English, Brian Vega, and Jason Bemis Lawrence. With roots in Louisville’s punk and hardcore scene, Sellers grew up influenced by local icons like Slint, Rodan, and Sunspring, as well as national acts like Fugazi, Shellac, and The Jesus Lizard.

Charm School first introduced their sound with the 2023 EP Finite Jest, a loud and sharp-edged look at modern frustrations. Their debut album Debt Forever, released today, expands on that foundation with more layered songwriting and a wider emotional range. While still packed with urgency and grit, the record leans into a biting sense of humor and a sharper perspective on everyday struggles.

The album was recorded in Louisville by engineer John Hoffman (Beef, The Serfs, Vacation) and mixed by Mike Bridavsky at Russian Recording in Bloomington, Indiana. The final mastering touch was handled by Greg Obis at Chicago Mastering Service, a studio tied to Louisville’s post-punk lineage through Bob Weston of Shellac. The result is a record that sounds raw yet refined, capturing both the tension and energy of Charm School’s influences, a broad mix of edgey punk, pop and rock.

Lyrically, Debt Forever wrestles with the instability of modern life, from financial uncertainty to the ever-growing sense of unease in an unpredictable world. It’s an album that doesn’t just critique—it reflects a deep awareness of how fragile everything feels.

The "Crime Time" video pairs these themes with playful visual nods to 90s culture, making it both a reflection of the past and a commentary on the present. Charm School’s mix of angular guitars, driving rhythms, and sardonic lyrics makes them a fresh but familiar voice in post-punk. Their ability to balance intensity with wit gives Debt Forever a distinct character, making it a must-hear for fans of the genre.

For those who like their post-punk smart, sharp, and just a little chaotic, Charm School delivers.