NYC’s QuickSand Returns with New Album “Bring On The Psychics”
Quicksand, a renowned post-hardcore band from NYC, has recently announced the upcoming release of their first album in five years, titled “Bring On The Psychics,” which will mark their debut on Equal Vision Records. This new LP is scheduled to drop on July 17 and comes with two fresh tracks, “Get To It” and “Regenerate,” both of which are available for streaming now. The album was produced and mixed by Jon Markson (Drug Church, Drain) over a span of ten days. The music video for “Get To It,” directed and edited by Jesse Korman, can be found on YouTube.
Described as a connecting link between their heavy Nineties sound that established Quicksand as pioneers of post-hardcore and the more experimental direction they’ve taken since their reunion in 2012, the album’s title, “Bring On The Psychics,” was inspired by a quote from Carl Sagan. Walter Schreifels, the band’s guitarist and vocalist, shares that the record is a reflection of his past through his present, drawing from his earlier influences that predate Quicksand.
Schreifels delves into the essence of the two new singles, stating that “Get To It” addresses the issue of procrastination and aims to challenge the excuses for remaining stagnant. He personally relates to this struggle and emphasizes the importance of finding motivation to overcome the tendency to procrastinate. On the other hand, “Regenerate” explores a more existential theme, focusing on the concept of forging new paths in life after facing setbacks and losses. Schreifels emphasizes the significance of resilience and growth through adversity, highlighting the idea that setbacks ultimately contribute to personal development.
Throughout the album, Quicksand pushes their musical boundaries, incorporating elements of hook-driven heaviness in tracks like “Get To It,” while also exploring shoegaze influences in “Crystallize.” Each band member plays a vital role in shaping the diverse sound of the album, with Sergio Vega’s bass grounding tracks like “Cool Guy,” Alan Cage’s dynamic drumming driving the title track, and “Days You Run To” offering a breezy ballad reminiscent of Fugazi’s mellower compositions.
Since their inception in New York City in 1990, Quicksand has been at the forefront of merging hardcore aggression with a groove-driven approach, solidifying their position as a key influence in the development of post-hardcore music. After releasing two major-label records in the Nineties, “Slip” (1993) and “Manic Compression” (1995), the band eventually disbanded at the peak of their success. However, they reunited in 2012 and have since released albums like “Interiors” and “Distant Populations,” paving the way for their upcoming release, “Bring On The Psychics.”
Looking ahead, Schreifels expresses his excitement to perform the new songs live and acknowledges the privilege of continuing to create music with his bandmates. Quicksand will be embarking on a full European tour in June, including festival appearances at Rock for People (CZ), Nova Rock (AT), Graspop Metal Meeting (BE), and Jera On Air (NL), along with headline club dates in various German cities. Fans can pre-order “Bring On The Psychics” and pre-save/pre-add the album on various music platforms through Equal Vision Records.