Portland, Maine hardcore vets CRUEL HAND released their latest single “Never Be Whole” back in May, and their new label Static Era Records has just released it through Apple, Spotify, etc. Having just finished a European Tour, the band is now back in the States and writing new music. A full length on Static Era Records is expected in the spring. To celebrate, we have teamed up with vicalist Chris Linkovich for a quick Q&A session to get you some more details, both on the new label and their plans for the coming months.
Spawned in the lethargic backwoods of the pine tree state, Portland, Maineโs Cruel Hand play an eclectic blend of styles that embodies anything but the serenity of their surroundings. Formed in 2006, the bandโs music represents the heavier, more crushing aspects of the genre that really bloomed and thrived in the mid-โ90s through early 2000s.
Cruel Handโs latest track, โNever Be Wholeโ on Static Era Records, embodies swinging riffs and catchy hooks that make you want to hit the pit like it owes you money.
โThe track has the heavy riffing that weโve never strayed from plus the infectious chorusโs weโve been known for in our latter releases.โ
Tell us a hit about Static Era label, who’s behind it and should it be considered your new home for future records
Jay Reason, A good friend from back in the day, confronted me last spring about an idea he had for a label. He wanted Cruel Hand and has been a positive force behind our new music ever since. Thereโs nothing left to consider; weโre stoked that Static Era is our new home and that Jay is at the helm of this thing.
Content wise, what inspired the lyrics for this new track?
Personally, itโs that feeling of hopelessly floating through life. Restlessly trying to obtain your goals and feeling like you may not be getting anywhere. Wanting to create something with lasting value. Wanting to make something of yourself and your vision.
Both record and touring wise, what are your plans for the coming months and 2020?
Just playing it by ear right now. A few of us are in bands that are much more active. Just trying to write these tunes as the inspiration comes. LDB fest in February. Would like to shoot a video.
After all these years doing your thing with this band, what’s inspiring you to keep it up and continue the journey?
I think the fact that itโs not a full time thing and thereโs no pressure or deadlines is huge. Were doing it for the fun of it again. Down the line if it gets stale we may step away for a breather like weโve done in the past. Weโre not the kinda band thatโs gonna go out โfinal show styleโ. That ship has sailed years ago. Now the band can just exist.
How do you feel your local hardcore scene has changed over the years? How thriving it is now compared to your early involvement days?
We seem to be lacking the younger generation in Maine. Thereโs also a shortage of all ages venue. Kathy and Kave was the heart of our scene and she had to close those doors. Every other town had a small scene all with their own bands back then. Everyone supporting one another. I would love to see it there again but itโs not up to me, Itโs up to the kids.
