Smirk reveals new album “Speculative Fiction,” listen to track “Dog Years”
Nick Vicario, a musician hailing from Los Angeles, is the creative force behind the music project known as Smirk. Vicario has been crafting retro-filtered punk rock tunes for quite some time now, with the release of albums such as the 2021 LP and the 2022 Material. While performing live, Vicario is joined by members from Hotline TNT, Poison Ruin, and Pardoner, but when it comes to songwriting, he remains the sole contributor for Smirk. Exciting news has emerged as Vicario has recently announced the forthcoming release of a new album under the title Speculative Fiction, slated to hit the music scene in July. Accompanying this announcement is the release of the album’s standout single, “Dog Years.”
“Dog Years” maintains the characteristic hardcore-influenced edge that Smirk is known for, but listeners will also notice Vicario’s venture into the realms of fuzzy power-pop, reminiscent of bands like Wipers or the early era of The Replacements. Delving deeper into the thematic core of Speculative Fiction, the album sees Vicario reflecting on a tumultuous past, stating, “I was doing horrible things and destroying my life.” The album appears to serve as a platform for Vicario to confront and navigate the consequences of his actions in retrospect. In his own words, Vicario elaborates on the inspiration behind the album, sharing, “When I was writing Speculative Fiction, a lot of that dealt with the ‘old me’ and some of the crazy life choices I made while abusing substances. So while the record is partially about the ‘old me,’ it’s also very much about putting them in my current world and the new set of problems that come from that.”
The lyrical content of “Dog Years” touches upon themes of burnout, isolation, and the routine monotony that can accompany new beginnings. Vicario delves into darker subject matter, including references to suicidal ideation and the internal struggle of not wanting to burden friends with personal struggles, which ultimately leads to self-isolation and a cyclical pattern of despair. Despite the heavy subject matter, the music of “Dog Years” resonates with an infectious energy that draws in listeners.
The release of Speculative Fiction on July 3rd via Smoking Room promises to be a significant moment for fans of Smirk and enthusiasts of Vicario’s unique musical stylings. With tracks like “Greetings,” “Cheap Greed,” and “Crime Pays” among others listed on the album, listeners can anticipate a dynamic and introspective listening experience. The album serves as a testament to Vicario’s evolution as an artist and his willingness to confront personal struggles head-on in his music. As the release date draws near, eager fans and music enthusiasts alike can anticipate the arrival of Speculative Fiction and immerse themselves in the sonic world crafted by Smirk.