Speedy Ortiz - "Scabs"

Photo by Shervin Lainez

Speedy Ortiz started off in Massachusetts but is now based in Philadelphia (we try to not hold that against them...) We haven't had new music from them in over five years, but they're back with a new single and a reconfigured line up. "Scabs" merges Speedy Ortiz's original, more indie rock song with their newer, more alt-pop infused sound. I've long compared the band with Liz Phair, and on "Scabs" they've moved into a more whitechocolatespaceegg era sound. It's playing with pop and dabbling in it a bit more while still keeping the same indie rock ethos and base long time fans have come to love. After you hear this new song, you'll be desperate to not have to wait another five years for more music.

Sadie Dupuis says of her band's new song:

“Living in progressive cities and working in the arts, you meet peers doing tremendous organizing work. And then there are neighbors who signal their ‘good’ politics through yard signs alone. I wrote ‘Scabs’ standing in line at the post office, overhearing customers berate a USPS employee. This was during a time of postal unions-opposed budget cuts and other major issues for mail handlers, which were widely reported on. People advertising their support for essential workers acted conversely when faced with personal inconvenience. The song became more widely about self-designated ethicists who don’t quibble about crossing a picket line for individual benefit.”

You can watch the video for "Scabs" below. The single is available now via Wax Nine and is available for download here. For more on Speedy Ortiz, check out the band's website.