Cleveland Punk Band Whatever… Drops First New Music in 27 Years, Announces New Album Whatever
Reviewed by Sam Lowry

Cleveland punk veterans Whatever… return after 27 years with the Our Decline 7” and plans for a 2025 full-length album and live performances.

Cleveland punk legends Whatever... are back after 27 years, releasing their new Our Decline 7” today on Siren Records. The record includes two fresh tracks, “Our Decline” and “Among the Dead,” showcasing their sharp songwriting and intense energy. This marks the band's first new material since their 1997 heyday.

The current lineup features original members Ben Wrecked (vocals, guitar) and Matt Fish (drums), joined by longtime collaborator Brett Moore (Sidecar, Night Sweats) on second guitar and new bassist Peter Woodward (Restless Habs, the Unknown).

Whatever... originally formed in 1991 when Wrecked and Fish, childhood friends with a love for punk, rock, and metal, decided to start a band. They quickly built a following in Cleveland’s DIY scene with their raw but melodic sound. Early releases through Dead Beat Records and Runt Records helped them gain momentum. By the mid-’90s, the group solidified their lineup with bassist Mike Slapface and guitarist Brett Moore, releasing their debut album Youngsters through Dr. Strange Records.

Tours across the U.S. and Europe followed, with Whatever... sharing stages with punk icons like The Bollweevils and Zoinks!. Their blend of driving rhythms, soaring melodies, and gritty lyrics resonated with fans. Despite their success, the group disbanded in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of independent punk anthems.

Now, Whatever... is gearing up for a full-length album set to release in 2025. Fans can also look forward to live performances in Cleveland and beyond, as the band plans a mix of local, regional, and international shows.

For listeners drawn to bands like Dag Nasty, Bad Religion, or Leatherface, Whatever... offers a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh. Their return promises to deliver the same passion and energy that first put them on the map, along with a renewed sense of purpose.

The Our Decline 7” is available now, and it’s just the start of an exciting new chapter for these Cleveland punk veterans.

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