Tokyo Rose Have Got the Hooks on Their “Better When” Music Video [Premiere]

The longer it’s been since you’ve released new music, the harder it can be to get back in the saddle, but for Tokyo Rose, it’s all working out quite splendidly. It had been 19 years since the New Jersey emo collective released their last album, The Promise. The New Jersey quartet reemerged with new music this summer with the release of their Never Say Die EP. The EP is highlighted by the single “Better When,” a classic-sounding Tokyo Rose track that shows a band that hasn’t missed a beat.

Commenting on the video and song, Ryan Dominguez shares:

“‘Better When’ is the latest single from our new EP Never Say Die, which is out now. The track reimagines the relationship between the numbers of the Fibonacci Sequence and Pascal’s Triangle as a chemically imbalanced, codependent romance. “Better When” is the mathematical theorem inspired, math rock fever dream of a manic depressive.”

Today marks the premiere of the official music video for “Better When.” It’s a nice little reintroduction to the band and their mastery at conjuring up catchy hooks and singalong choruses. The mid-2000s emo scene was defined by its heartfelt songwriting and anthemic hooks, and “Better When” is no different. A long layoff between new music can be a significant challenge. But evidently, Tokyo Rose has not missed a beat.

Led by lead singer and guitarist Ryan Dominguez, this new iteration of Tokyo Rose features a reassembled lineup. Never Say Die carries the same urgency and sincere songwriting that defined the band’s first era. It’s not just a rehashing of past glory, though. Some songs on Never Say Die, such as “Ugly Comes Out” and “Something Sweeter,” show heavier alternative rock influences. They emphasize a grittier side of the band, showing they can do more than indie-pop hooks. New music two decades later should honour an artist’s legacy, while pushing things forward. Tokyo Rose can confidently claim a big win with Never Say Die while also creating anticipation and excitement for their next chapter.

Tokyo Rose ‘Never Say Die’ album artwork