Drought Set to Release First Album “Souvenir” on July 18 Through Iodine Recordings
The band has unveiled their new single, “We’re the Flora” featuring Pat Flynn of Fiddlehead and Have Heart – listen now.
Unlike many hardcore bands that direct their energy outward, Drought turns introspective, channeling personal struggles to forge a unique path. Formed in 2022 in the Bay Area, Drought includes guitarists Eric Nakano and RJ Rabe, drummer Ray Avila, and vocalist Viggy Ram. They bonded over shared influences like Pianos Become the Teeth, mewithoutYou, and Title Fight to confront personal hardships and isolation. After releasing a three-song EP in 2022, Drought captivated audiences with their emotionally charged live performances alongside Jeromes Dream and vs self, catching the eye of Iodine Recordings.
Now, Drought is back with “Souvenir”, recorded to tape by Jack Shirley (Deafheaven, Gouge Away) at Atomic Garden Studios. The album comes across not as a debut, but as the work of an established act. Expected on July 18, you can pre-order it now.
Today, they unveil “We’re the Flora,” featuring Pat Flynn of Fiddlehead and Have Heart. Listen HERE. The track features profound lyrics such as – “They say all flowers in time bend toward the sun, so when I find the light, what will I become?”
Viggy Ram explains, “These lyrics were inspired by a visit to a bouquet art exhibit. All of these flowers and plants had been clipped and fashioned into beautiful structures – giving them a second life as something new. I think about our relationships with our parents and families. Generational trauma often cuts us off from our histories and identities, but it can also be an opportunity to grow and blossom.”
Regarding the guest vocal from Flynn, Viggy says, “It was especially fitting to have Pat from Fiddlehead and Have Heart graciously guest, since he’s often written about similar experiences. It felt like a comforting sentiment from a mentor or teacher, especially considering his influence on our band.”
The 13 songs on “Souvenir” express moods and emotions with conviction, shaped by years of experience. With additional guest vocals from Eric Butler (Mom Jeans) and Alex Rudenshiold (Infant Island), the album gains further depth, blending dynamic arrangements within the evolving realm of post-hardcore and emo. Against a backdrop of balanced melody and dissonance, Viggy Ram’s lyrics are both introspective and existential.
Souvenir Track Listing:
1. Introduction
2. An Invitation
3. Abattoir
4. We’re The Flora
5. Proof of Life
6. Compass/Needle
7. Souvenir
8. Saint
9. In the Glass Room
10. One of Me
11. Two of Me
12. Old Seed/New Grain
13. Wayfinding
Drought will be performing live this summer and fall, including appearances at New Friends Fest, Your Renaissance Fest, and Fest 23 in Gainesville. Stay tuned for tour date announcements.
Drought Live Performances:
– 5/2 — San Francisco, CA — Thee Parkside with Cancer Bats, Strawberry Girls
– 5/24 — Los Angeles, CA — Your Renaissance Fest with Portraits of Past, the Spirit of Versailles
– 8/2 — Toronto, ON Canada — New Friends Fest with Beau Navire, Rolo Tomassi, the Saddest Landscape
– 10/23 — Tampa, FL — Brass Mug with Signals Midwest, Audio Karate
– 10/24 — Gainesville, FL — FEST
Drought Members:
– Viggy Ram — Vocals
– Ray Avila — Drums
– RJ Rabe — Guitar
– Eric Nakano — Guitar
DROUGHT:
IODINE RECORDINGS:
ATOM SPLITTER PR:
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