Dead Poet Society, based in Los Angeles, has released their new album, Monarch, through Spinefarm Records. This work showcases the band's evolution, reflecting a blend of genres that include tech metal, stoner rock, and various indie styles. Their previous releases exhibited a raw energy reminiscent of garage rock, but Monarch demonstrates a more polished and liberated sound, moving away from rigid song structures to embrace a more dynamic and nuanced approach.
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Vocalist and guitarist Jack Underkofler explains that the band aims for an uncanny feel in their art, drawing inspiration from artists like St. Vincent, particularly her surreal yet stark aesthetic from 2014. They collaborated with visual artists at Mind Reader to convey a sense of uncanny perfection in their artwork and music videos, emphasizing a unique perspective on familiar themes.
Underkofler highlights the band's process of maintaining a focus on striking visuals while embracing an off-kilter approach. He notes that they sought to keep their tours and music videos unusual and thought-provoking, much like Quentin Tarantino’s storytelling techniques, where the audience is left to create their own context.
The band acknowledges that their latest album reflects a conscious effort to stay true to their musical identity. Underkofler mentions their previous album leaned more into softer themes, which, while enjoyable, didn’t align as closely with their overall musical journey. This time, they made a concerted effort to invite listeners into their world, ensuring their intentions remained pure.
He emphasizes their collaborative writing process, which can be intense but rewarding. The band seeks to maintain a balance between heaviness and restraint, melody and aggression, all while avoiding overly simplistic choices.
Underkofler points out the trend in rock music to sacrifice established vibes for catchy hooks. He believes that memorable songs can exist without adhering to traditional hook structures, arguing instead that the overall atmosphere can serve as the hook itself.
The album also addresses the emotional landscape facing male artists, tackling the societal pressures surrounding emotional expression. Underkofler shares that Monarch and its track “Cold” confront the tendency to suppress negative emotions, advocating for the importance of confronting and expressing all feelings without seeking to cover them up with positivity. He reflects on his own struggles over the past decade, using the album as a means to write authentically about complex emotions.
Monarch is available now.