Bakersfield, California band IF IT KILLS YOU has revealed the official music video for new single “Distress Signal” from its upcoming new album, Invisible Self. Stream the video, directed by Joshua Robertson, above.
Produced by Jim Ward of At The Drive-In and Sparta, Invisible Self is an immersive experience: nine intense, radiant songs whose emotional weight and ironclad songcraft bear traces of Ward’s bands as well as Quicksand, Hum, and Drive Like Jehu (whose song “If It Kills You” inspired the band name).
A new write-up at The Big Takeover states: “The new record by If It Kills You is post-hardcore at its most exuberant. It features nine chiseled, shimmering songs.”
Invisible Self producer Jim Ward discusses the making of the album: “Not only are they a great, creative band sonically, but the depth of lyrics and real intention was a joy to work with.”
With Ward as producer, the album was recorded and mixed by Martin at The Noise Feed, the recording studio he owns and operates in Bakersfield. Mastering was handled by Carl Saff (Bambara, Kowloon Walled City).
Invisible Self producer Jim Ward discusses the making of the album: “Connecting with the guys in If It Kills You during the lockdown phase of the craziness we’ve been going through was a real blessing for me. Not only are they a great, creative band sonically, but the depth of lyrics and real intention was a joy to work with. I think it takes a special band to work remotely with a producer and actually produce a thoughtful and great sounding album, and these guys delivered. My greatest joy in working with them is not just the pride of being part of a fantastic album, but also that some solid friends were made.”
Drummer Tyler Patterson concurs: “It was super inspiring to work with Jim on this record. It was invaluable to get his insight and advice on the record. Jim’s musical career itself is a huge influence on us. We are huge fans of At the Drive In and Sparta.”
With Ward as producer, the album was recorded and mixed by Martin at The Noise Feed, the recording studio he owns and operates in Bakersfield. Mastering was handled by Carl Saff at Saff Mastering (Bambara, Kowloon Walled City). The cover art was created by Alan Rosetti, also known as AR/KVB.
Beyond If It Kills You, Martin is making a career out of connecting with his heroes: Songwriting Malpractice, the podcast he started in 2020, features revealing one-on-one talks with a slew of notable musicians, including members of most of the aforementioned bands as well as The Melvins, The Jesus Lizard, Jawbox, Failure, Converge, Trail of Dead, Torche, and more.
