Tuco debuts new song titled “Mars (Congratulations)”
Kill Tuco has announced the upcoming release of their newest song, “Mars (Congratulations),” set to debut on Monday, Nov. 3. The band recently joined forces with Southern California skate-punk band, Unwritten Law, for three performances at Hickam Harbor on Oct. 24, Anna O’Brien’s on Oct. 25, and Oct. 26. Delving into the themes of space exploration, the new song contemplates the challenges of venturing to Mars. Lead singer and guitarist of Kill Tuco, Connor Purington, discussed the song’s message, emphasizing how individuals heading to Mars may not necessarily be driven by a pioneering spirit but rather out of necessity.
Speaking on the band’s style, Purington described Kill Tuco as an alternative rock group with influences drawn from old-school country, indie rock, and post-punk genres. He remarked that many listeners find their sound evocative yet challenging to categorize definitively. Purington humorously mentioned that their music feels like a conduit for a bygone songwriter from the ’90s or early 2000s, reviving their music through Kill Tuco’s performances.
Set for release on November 3, the choice of date for “Mars (Congratulations)” is not arbitrary but tied to a significant space-related event. Purington highlighted that the day commemorates the Soviet launch of a space dog into orbit and the subsequent revelation that there was no plan for its return. This poignant historical moment underscores the risks and uncertainties of space exploration, elements that are subtly woven into the band’s upcoming song.
Originally known as Government Work, the band morphed into Kill Tuco, drawing inspiration from the notorious character in the TV show “Breaking Bad.” Purington reminisced about the band’s formative years as they navigated different line-ups before solidifying the current group, with Purington being the sole remaining member from the original formation. The transition to Kill Tuco reflected a merging of influences and a serendipitous moment that led to the selection of their current moniker.
Their 2019 debut album, “The Safe Word is Humuhumunukunukuapua’a,” set the tone for their subsequent singles, such as “Sweet Tooth,” “Donner Party,” and “Apples.” Noteworthy among their releases is the track “So it Goes (What Vonnegut Said),” a nod to Kurt Vonnegut’s iconic novel “Slaughterhouse-Five” and crafted during the backdrop of the Covid pandemic. Purington elucidated on the song’s connection to the aliens in Vonnegut’s novel, who offer a resigned “So it goes” for every occurrence, whether positive or negative.
Amidst their recent singles like “Bundy” and “Jesus Shrugged,” Kill Tuco also hinted at an upcoming performance with Black Square at Proof Social Club on Nov. 8. Purington expressed his desire for audiences to recognize the diversity and talent present in Hawai’i’s music scene beyond the stereotypical island and reggae genres, urging listeners to explore the alternative and independent sounds emerging from the region. Gravitating towards a more open and diverse musical landscape in Hawai’i remains a primary goal for Kill Tuco and other local bands.