Hailing from Houston, Texas, K. Campbell makes a brand of music that is perhaps best summed up by the title of their debut full-length album, Pure Pop For Jaded Punks. Taking the DIY aesthetic of punk and hardcore and filtering it through the more refined lens of power pop, Campbell’s sound retains the immediacy and personality of the former while gaining the polish of the latter, allowing for songs that are as affective as they are precise.
Last month saw the release of ‘Heads Up’, a brand new K. Campbell single that further develops this style. Warm and emotive, the tone is that of solidarity, finding strength and ambition from those around us, those going through the very same trials and tribulations. ‘Heads Up’ is a song “for the friends who challenge you and always hold you accountable,” explains Campbell, whether that to be kinder, more available, or just to utilise your talents to the height of your potential.
Such sincerity is fundamental to the song’s message. “Under the daily threat of neo-fascist repression and the crushing alienation of late-era capitalism,” Campbell continues, “cynicism remains an understandable, but all too easy response (at least for those like me who reap the benefits of a relative amount of privilege). This song is about finding in love the difficult but rewarding inspiration to fight harder.”
heads up listen to the sound
get your feet on the ground
Last page of an open book
I cant help but take a look
only to find the threads are breaking at the spinemy one and only, I need you to show me
the fire in your eyes is just like a sunrise
Take a look at the video by Clyde Petersen below:
‘Heads Up’ is out now via Poison Moon Records on 7″ vinyl and cassette, and you can get it from the K. Campbell Bandcamp page.
