theWorst Pay Respects to Film Noir with Their “Hackles” Music Video [Premiere]

Music videos aren’t always a land of innovation for musicians, but theWORST has conjured up something special with their new “Hackles” clip. Beautifully shot, the video is something of an ode to classic film noir with its colour scheme and cinematography. The video was filmed and directed by the incredible Sparxsea, also a singer and songwriter in her own right. She really sharpened her filmmaking skills with “Hackles,” presenting something edgy and current but also grounded and artistic.

Two special guest stars in the video are bandleader Brooke Binion’s two dogs. Outside of her day job, Binion is also a certified dog trainer and animal lover. It’s only fitting that her dogs would make an appearance considering the years they have spent on the road touring with the band.

“Hackles” is the first single from theWORST’s brand new EP Quiet the Gods. The album is due out on November 8th via RascalZ RecordZ. The new four-song effort features all of the classic trademarks that have already helped define the band. It has the same gritty punk rock sound and spirit of 2017’s Jane Doe Embryo and 2022’s Yes Regrets.

But rather than entirely rehash the past, Binion also wanted to do something different with Quiet the Gods. It’s a significant advancement when it comes to the band’s chemistry, songwriting, arrangements, and production. The songs are tighter and the lyricism is more refined.

With some comments on the inspiration and spirit of the EP, Binion offers:

“This collection of songs are all different versions of the same idea to me. I wanted to write about dissipating connections. Things that were once so close to your heart, just fading. Places that used to feel like home that are now unrecognizable. People that you were close to, drifted away. I guess things just change and never turn out how you think they will.”

Musically, Quiet the Gods is far beyond just a classic punk record. Throughout the EP, theWorst expanded their sonic repertoire with the use of synth effects and Hammond organs. Even when it comes to the use of guitar, bass, and drums, the band has always allowed some room for refinement. Drummer Craig Sala’s drumming features lots of grooves while bassist Will Bradford alternates using chordal and lead bass lines. The EP features the band in full stride, comfortable with their sonic direction, and enthusiastic about the musical prospects that lay ahead in the future.

theWorst ‘Quiet the Gods’ EP artwork, by Victoria Karol