Raucous punk rock trio The Coathangers release the infectious ‘The Devil You Know’

The sixth album from the American band captures the ferocity of their early days.

Since forming in 2006, Atlanta trio The Coathangers have been producing infectiously raucous punk rock. Continuing that on their sixth full-length record, the trio formed of Julie Kugel, Meredith Franco and Stephanie Luke, have built a record upon a single proverb spoken at a friend’s wedding: ‘We settle when we’re afraid of something.’

Created as a way of capturing the vivacity of their early years, the album hones in on each member’s strengths, whether that’s Kugel’s pop melodies, Franco’s post-punk bass lines or Luke’s fierce vocals on the rockier tunes.

Watch the video to Bimbo by The Coathangers:

Slightly less chaotic than their previous releases, ‘The Devil You Know’ is more artistically driven. Intertwining fizzy guitar twangs and melodious drum sequences, The Coathangers embrace their abilities to harness their antagonistic punk attitude. Pushed into newer sonic territories, ‘Crimson Telephone’ displays piercing vocals against a melodious guitar tune, while ‘Stranger Danger’ combines a repetitive guitar line with a sly drum groove.

Unapologetically touching on political boundaries on ‘F The NRA’, The Coathangers maintain their riotous reputation by chanting expletives about the organisation for gun rights in the US. This fiery punk rock track is a reminder of what we’re used to seeing from The Coathangers. It’s the small hints of ferocity that gives the album it’s edge.

‘The Devil You Know’ is a nostalgic look back at the energy The Coathangers used to provide, but its the beacons of light in the form of ‘Memories’, ‘Bimbo’ (with its Joy Divison-esque guitar chords) and ‘Stasher’, that cement the trio as conveyors of meaningful punk rock.

‘The Devil You Know’ by The Coathangers is out 8 March, get it here: Apple Music | Amazon | Google Play | Spotify