Upstate NY pop-punk band releases new music after 20-year hiatus
ly been waiting like 20 years,” a fourth said.
Matchbook Romance, a renowned pop-punk band hailing from Poughkeepsie, New York, has recently announced their comeback after a hiatus of 20 years. The band shared exciting news on their Facebook page, revealing that a new song titled “Something Worse Than the Night” will be released on January 16. This will mark their first release of new music in two decades, creating a buzz among their loyal fan base of nearly 70,000 followers.
Initially formed in 1997, the group underwent name changes before settling on Matchbook Romance in 2001. Led by singer-guitarist Andrew Jordan and bassist-vocalist Ryan Kienle, the band quickly rose to fame during the Warped Tour-MySpace era. Their sound, best described as a mix of pop-punk and alternative rock, garnered attention, leading to a record deal with Epitaph Records in the early 2000s. Matchbook Romance released two albums under the label, with their most recent offering, “Voices,” hitting the shelves in 2006.
Despite humble beginnings, the band’s success was both unexpected and astounding. Reflecting on their journey, Jordan reminisced on their doubts and uncertainties, stating, “We never thought it was something that could actually come true for us.” With drummer Aaron Stern fresh out of high school and the other band members juggling community college commitments in the Hudson Valley region, the group navigated the music scene with determination and passion.
Matchbook Romance’s discography boasts hits such as “Monsters,” a track that has amassed over 50 million streams on Spotify. Their early releases, including songs like “Promise,” “My Eyes Burn,” “Lovers & Liars,” and “The Greatest Fall of All Time,” earned them a dedicated following and critical acclaim. The band’s achievements landed them on the cover of Alternative Press magazine, performances at MTV Spring Break, as well as headlining spots on tours like the Epitaph Tour.
Following a period of dormancy after 2006, Matchbook Romance sporadically reunited for select shows between 2013 and 2018. However, fans were thrilled by hints of a grander reunion given in cryptic social media posts from the band. The band’s recent announcement of a new song release has stirred excitement and speculation among their faithful supporters, with many expressing their elation on social media platforms.
As the pop-punk, emo, and alternative rock genres experience a resurgence in popularity, Matchbook Romance’s return is warmly welcomed by music enthusiasts. Alongside other acts like Goldfinger, Good Charlotte, and Hawthorne Heights, the band’s comeback signals a renaissance of the early 2000s music scene. Though details about a potential full-length album or tour dates remain uncertain, the anticipation and enthusiasm surrounding Matchbook Romance’s revival are palpable. Fans eagerly await the release of “Something Worse Than the Night” and the promise of more music from this iconic New York band.