Album Review: Pissed Jeans – Half Divorced

Even after 20 years in the punk scene, the Pennsylvania outfit Pissed Jeans still finds things to talk about on their new record Half Divorced. Complimented by a stable instrumental, the band continues down their path.

The album’s opener “Killing All The Wrong People,” mixes traditional punk sounds with a few more modern touches. A few percussion instruments like cowbells and synths come into play between howling guitars and pounding drums. It’s a simple mix that makes the song more interesting without being too over the top.

These little touches are the focal points of the record, no matter where they appear. On “Alive With Hate,” a small distorted scream pairs with the guitars to make an astounding intro. From there, lead vocalist Matt Korvette can use his raspy vocals to take it all the way.

Right next to the tracklist, “Seatbelt Alarm Silencer,” there might be room for debate on precisely that sound. It could be the hitting of drumsticks together, or, on the car-themed route, it could be either a blinker or a seatbelt clicking. The last one would fit the best. 

It’s so quiet that it’s a shock when the band comes in, all at once, a few seconds late. But this group is genuinely masters of surprise when they enter a song. 

On a lyrical side, Pissed Jeans is blunt and hilarious at the same time. “Sixty-two thousand Dollars in Debt,” a terrifying phrase, tells the tale of someone working through their debt, convinced that it’s not too much. The lyrics paint this reality, and there’s hope that they’ll be able to pay it off, but it’s neverending. Then, in the middle, there’s a random synth solo. Regular bill-paying events.

The best song on the album exemplifies this trait: “Everywhere Is Bad.” The instrumental is extremely simple. It’s a great choice in contrasting the lyrical musings, helping show that everywhere in the world, even the most generic places like paradise or hell, are terrible to live. 

“Boston / You’ll get in a fight / Ohio / Haha, yeah right / Miami / Climate change / Austin, Texas / It’s way too strange.”

Overall, Pissed Jeans made a good album with some hilarious touches that take the pressure off finding the perfect place to live.