Jeff Rosenstock is a master of surprise.
The Long Island native’s last two solo efforts (no we are not counting 2021’s S K A D R E A M as a standalone record) — 2018’s POST- and 2020’s N O D R E A M — were released without any promotional lead-up. They were just plopped down with no warning, no press, no teasers, nada. But Jeff shocked us all by dropping his fifth solo album — HELLMODE — with a *gasp!* official release date and press coverage. Truly this is Hell.
But what makes life feel like Hell? Well, there was Trump’s presidency, COVID-19, the death of Warped Tour, Aaron Lewis having a chart topping song, new COVID variants, the passing of my dog Gus back in July, Proud Boys, MGK going pop-punk on us, the allegations made against Justin Sane of Anti-Flag, Dream, Bray Wyatt’s death, the horrifying zoosadist leaks from 2018 (I beg you do not look that up,) or whatever you think makes life a living hell. Everything for the past few years felt like the apocalypse happened or that the rapture took place and we were all left behind. So it’s no surprise a few bands released music based on our new hellscape (see PUP and Spanish Love Songs,) and Jeff decided to follow suit. Enter the world of HELLMODE.
“To me, the album feels like the chaos of being alive right now,” Rosenstock said in a press release for HELLMODE. “We’re experiencing all these things at the same time that trigger our senses, and emotions that make us feel terrible. We’re just feeling way too much all at once!” With an album dealing with such bleak subject matter, Jeff doesn’t want you to feel sad. Instead, HELLMODE is a happy record. Ain’t that a shocker.
HELLMODE is nearly 41 minutes of positive chaos in a world of negativity. Fast and slow, loud but thoughtful, peaceful yet rage-filled, Jeff’s fifth studio album is him at his very best. The energetic opener “WILL U STILL U” has Jeff pleading over and over “Will you still love me after I’ve fucked up?” before it kicks into the fastest drumming and riffs ever heard on one of his albums. “LIKED U BETTER” is a cute punky power pop number that carries the same energy. But it all stops with the acoustic pseudo-title track “HEALMODE”. The almost three-and-a-half minute song has Jeff wanting to spend a rainy day with someone, a peaceful track of apathy to slow down the high energy. Which is then killed by “LIFE ADMIN” where he wants to fuck off to the desert with his rockstar money and diving into self-deprivation, checkin his privilege. Just look that these bars in the track: “I don’t wanna write a song / About anything these days / I throw them all away / Like I can never do with / All the stupid shit / Gathering spider eggs In my bougie basement / Now I’m living with the fear / That anyone will find out how I live / Having barbecues out on the deck / Drinking ice cold beers / Under a fire season sunset.”
There is one line in “FUTURE IS DUMB” that I’ve taken to heart. “It’s weird that we’ve become numb to it / We’ve grown accustomed to the fear / Do you still dream about tomorrows / After the ones that brought us here / Or are you just burnt out thinkin’ / ‘damn, i gotta deal with this shit another fuckin’ year.'” In today’s world, it’s undeniable that we face many challenges. However, it’s important to remember that we have the power to create positive change in our own lives and in the world around us. Instead of being disheartened by the troubles we encounter, let’s view them as opportunities for growth and resilience. As Jeff wisely said, “The world doesn’t owe you a thing.” We have the ability to shape our own destinies. This empowering mindset encourages us to take control of our lives, knowing that we have the potential to overcome any obstacles that come our way. Each new day presents a fresh chance to thrive and make a difference. Embrace the journey ahead, for you possess the strength and determination to truly make your mark on the world.
I wasn’t expecting HELLMODE to be the little pick-me-up I needed in my life right now. It came out during a rough point in my life, with the passing of my dog Gus when I was out of state in Pennsylvania for Anthrocon. When I got the news, all I wanted to do was to say to hell with this weekend, I need to be with him. If it wasn’t for my dear boyfriend Drew, I probably would’ve had a mental breakdown three hours from home. He was my HELLMODE during that dark period.
Shit does suck right now. It’s not really a good time to be alive. But just because the world’s in Hell right now, doesn’t mean that we should act like it’s Hell. We have the power the create our own destines, our own goals. We have the power to fix this Hell and make it Heaven.
Overall, HELLMODE is Jeff at his strongest creative wise. Maybe I’m being a bit too ambitious, but I would not be surprised if this album comes out being album of the year in several publications. Thank you, Jeff Rosenstock. I needed this helpful record as much as everyone else did.
Punk Goes Prenatt 