Emotive post-hardcore band THE CRUELTY delves into personal struggles and growth on latest…
Oakland’s own post-hardcore group, The Cruelty, is set to release a brand new two-song cassette on July 13, 2025, featuring tracks “The Morbs” and “The Family Gun.” This release follows their debut single, “Hand in Hand,” from 2023, which garnered attention from several established outlets within the music scene, including antiMusic, Dying Scene, and New Noise Magazine.
Starting in 2021 with Cole on drums/vocals and Cody on vocals/guitar, The Cruelty was born out of a shared sense of emotional urgency. Their distinctive sound combines raw, confessional emo elements with a post-hardcore edge, drawing comparisons to renowned acts such as At the Drive-In, Armor for Sleep, Mineral, and Pianos Become the Teeth. Bassist/vocalist Jeff Wright later joined the band, contributing to the development of their newest material.
Jeff Wright shared, “The Morbs is the first taste of the new music we’ve been crafting over the past few years in various band incarnations. Opening this new chapter with a track that truly represents our collaborative efforts and the sound we’re aiming for is exhilarating. I believe that The Morbs effectively encapsulates each of our diverse musical backgrounds into a concise snapshot of what’s to come.”
“The Morbs” serves as a distilled expression of the band’s evolving emotional trajectory through lineup changes and evolving creative concepts. Accompanying the track’s release will be an official music video on YouTube, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the band’s sonic and visual landscape. The second track, “The Family Gun,” follows suit, embodying The Cruelty’s exploration of themes related to vulnerability, personal connection, and introspective lyricism.
Having been previously praised for their ability to pay homage to emo’s roots while infusing a contemporary edge, The Cruelty has been described as a band that offers emotional depth combined with an unmistakable raw energy by Dying Scene. Click Roll Boom further highlighted their sound as a fusion of early 2000s influences with a fresh, modern twist.
Looking ahead, The Cruelty intends to support their upcoming release through various regional performances and is actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with record labels, booking agencies, and media outlets to extend their reach and connect with a wider audience. With their innovative approach to post-hardcore and a profound commitment to authenticity and emotional resonance, The Cruelty is poised to make a lasting impact on the music landscape.