In the landscape of punk rock there's very few up and coming cultural icons like, Laura Jane Grace, unapologetically weaving her sonic tapestry through the ages. The news of her upcoming album, "Hole In My Head," set to be unleashed via Polyvinyl Record Co. on February 16, 2024, sends ripples of excitement through the punk rock community. This Emmy-nominated artist, renowned author, activist, and musician, is not just a frontwoman; she's a force of nature.
Recorded at Native Sound in St. Louis, MO, under the watchful eyes of David Beeman and mixed by Matt Allison, "Hole In My Head" promises to be a curio cabinet of sonic delights. Grace, armed with her commanding vocals, takes center stage on guitar and drums, with the added prowess of Drive-By Truckers bassist Matt Patton, creating a full-band sound that permeates over half the album.
Already gaining acclaim with the release of "Dysphoria Hoodie," a raw ode to a protective layer in a harsh world, Grace now unveils the exhilarating title track with a music video directed by Gilbert Trejo. The visual escapade, helmed by the son of the legendary Danny Trejo, serves as a testament to the liberating power of music, a fuzzed-out power-pop ripper that barrels through the mundane.
Grace's punk spirit doesn't stop with the album; she's taking her sonic rebellion on the road. The Midwest will witness her headline tour on New Year's Eve, joined by the acclaimed singer-songwriter Mya Byrne. March 2024 brings a slew of U.S. dates, featuring support from Thelma and The Sleaze and Dikembe. And for the first time, Greece will be graced with her presence in January.
Billboard Magazine's acknowledgment of Laura Jane Grace as one of the "50 Greatest Rock Lead Singers Of All Time" is no small feat, and "Hole In My Head" is a testament to her enduring brilliance. The album, spanning 11 tracks, captures the nuances of humanity in a strangely optimistic manner, blending warm '50s rock-influenced riffs with reflections on a punk life lived.
From the scrappy acoustic anthem "Dysphoria Hoodie" to the shouty surf-punk of "I'm Not A Cop" and the jangle of the Jonathan Richman-inspired "Punk Rock in Basements," the album is a journey through Grace's varied influences and experiences. Themes of travel and adopted homes permeate the album, with tracks like "Birds Talk Too" commemorating her head-shaving experience in Amsterdam.
As the record winds down with "Give Up The Ghost," Grace takes us on a stream of consciousness, weaving apologies, regrets, and seemingly embellished experiences. The sparse arrangement, reminiscent of her early days, leaves room for Grace and her guitar, a poignant reminder of her ability to strip down the layers and bare her soul.
"Hole In My Head" is more than an album; it's a vibrant and shows extremely well Laura Jane Grace's enduring spirit. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in her raucous journey, a welcome embrace of life's complexities and a promise of more rebellious tales to come. Stay tuned as Grace graces stages across the globe, ensuring that punk rock's flame continues to burn brightly in her capable hands.
DECEMBER
16 — Memphis, TN — Minglewood Hall ~
28 — St. Louis, MO — Off Broadway *
29 — Lawrence, KS — Granada Theatre *
31 — Denver, CO — The Marquis *
JANUARY 2024
02 — Omaha, NE — Slowdown *
03 — Minneapolis, MN — Cloudland * [SOLD OUT]
06 — Madison, WI — Joey’s Song Benefit
13 — Athens, Greece — Onassis Stegi Exhibition Hall -1
15 — Thessaloniki, Greece — Mylos
MARCH 2024
02 — Indianapolis, IN — The Vogue ^
03 — Columbus, OH — A&R Music Bar ^
05 — Pittsburgh, PA — Spirit Hall ^
06 — Philadelphia, PA — Underground Arts ^
08 — Hamden, CT — Space Ballroom ^
09 — New York, NY — Racket ^
10 — Somerville, MA — Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre ^
12 — Washington, DC — Howard Theatre ^
13 — Virginia Beach, VA — Elevation 27 ^
15 — Durham, NC — Motorco Music Hall ^
16 — Knoxville, TN — Bijou Theatre ^
17 — Nashville, TN — City Winery ^
19 — New Orleans, LA — Tipitina’s ^
20 — Birmingham, AL — Saturn ^
22 — San Antonio, TX — Paper Tiger ^
23 — Houston, TX — RISE Rooftop ^
24 — Fort Worth, TX — Tulips +
~ — supporting Lucero
* — Mya Byrne supporting
^ — Thelma and the Sleaze, Dikembe supporting
+ — Dikembe supporting
