Fucked Up – The Other Shoe

If we here at DDHQ asked you to name the punk band you thought were most likely to release a rock opera in 2011, it’s pretty safe to say that Fucked Up would be pretty near the bottom of your list. However, word is that with forthcoming album David Comes To Life, the Toronto hardcore band are doing just that. Reportedly “a play set to music”, details are pretty hazy so far, but one thing’s for sure: debut cut ‘The Other Shoe’ is as exciting a comeback single as you’re likely to hear from anybody this year.

A more melodic offering than anything from last full-length The Chemistry of Common Life, ‘The Other Shoe’ is an altogether astounding mixture of delicate female vocal harmonies, sunny guitar work and frontman Pink Eyes’ trademark guttural growl. It somehow manages to find a summery, uplifting vibe amidst the aggression, and as a result this is triumphant, anthemic, gloriously non-commercial and above all, completely and utterly brilliant.