Water Culture Channels Raw Emotion in New Single “Sad Joints”

Review By Seb Hallam

Emo post-hardcore fans, prepare for an emotional deep dive: Water Culture returns with their latest single, “Sad Joints,” out November 19, 2024. The North Carolina quartet, known for their intense and unfiltered sound, sets the stage for their new album, Hanging by a Thread, with a track that’s as raw as it is haunting.

“Sad Joints” captures a painful moment of self-awareness — the recognition that something needs to change in a faltering relationship, and perhaps in life itself. Vocalist Ryan Mitchell taps into this frustration, his voice echoing through heavy, melancholic riffs. With Jared Pugh and Jake Owens on guitars, the melody digs deep, delivering an unmistakable emo edge, while Austin Etchells’ bass and Thomas Drake‘s drumming drive the track’s relentless intensity.

In true post-hardcore fashion, Water Culture crafts a sound both familiar and fresh, blending a moody atmosphere with fierce vulnerability. “Sad Joints” stands out as a relatable anthem for those who’ve ever felt trapped yet yearning for more, reminding fans why Water Culture is on the radar alongside bands like Alexisonfire and Movements. The single not only offers a poignant glimpse into the forthcoming Hanging by a Thread album but also sets the bar high for its November 19 release.