Fugue State announce debut LP – In The Lurch – via Strange Mono Records. We have a full preview ahead of release.

Western Massachusetts’ underground punk scene is about to be shaken by In The Lurch, the debut LP from Fugue State, set for release on April 4 via Strange Mono Records.

With a sound that feels like it’s broadcast through a warped transistor radio from another dimension, Fugue State is redefining the boundaries of weirdo punk. Following up on the 2023 EP Subtlety’s Dead, In The Lurch was born out of sheer momentum.

What began as a live reinterpretation of past work quickly spiraled into something much bigger. Adding an off-kilter, jazz-inflected edge to the album’s controlled chaos, In The Lurch features guest appearances by Wednesday Knudsen (Pigeons, Stella Kola) on tenor saxophone and Vigilance Brandon (Trance Macabre) on trumpet, further solidifying Fugue State’s place in the realm of sonic experimentalism.

“In the Lurch is Fugue State’s full band debut, expanding on some of the ideas I first put out there with 2023’s Subtlety’s Dead EP.” says Fugue State’s Shane Bruno .

“The themes of the album are an expansion of those of its predecessor, reflecting on ideas like confirmation bias, existential dread, the trials and tribulations of being an artist, and the hostility and uncertainty of the modern world. The album aims to reflect the sound our live shows have become known for since the current lineup’s formation two years ago and incorporates a lot of collaboration and improvisation from the band. I’d describe that sound as a solid foundation of gritty garage rock hooks with a wild experimental energy that veer off into unexpected directions.” 

In The Lurch  will see a limited one-time vinyl pressing of 200. A limited cassette run will also be available, with proceeds supporting mutual aid funds.

Here’s the Bandcamp pre-order link:  https://fuguestatema.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-lurch

Upcoming dates: 

APRIL 4 @ Hutghis, Westfield MA
APRIL 5 @ Century, Philadelphia PA
APRIL 6 @ Mama Tried, Brooklyn NY
APRIL 11 @ Hot Plate Brewing, Pittsfield MA

APRIL 13 @ O’Briens, Boston MA
APRIL 18 @ Cold Spring Hollow, Beechertown MA

What started life back in 2022 as the lo-fi solo project of Shane Bruno (Bridge Of Flowers) has since evolved into a full-throttle band. One that absorbs the chaotic energy of punk, the spectral textures of Soviet-era fuzz, and the raw urgency of existential dread. Originally crafting songs in isolation, Bruno’s vision took on new life when he recruited Gage O’Brien and longtime collaborator Jon Hanson (Bridge Of Flowers), transforming Fugue State from a bedroom experiment into a full-fledged sonic force.

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