U.S. post-punk band Dead Tooth dropped their latest single, Birthday Boohoo, via Greenway Records, sparking interest with their raw, unapologetic sound. This release, accompanied by a 7” vinyl pressing, is produced by Tom Beaujour (Nada Surf, Pom Pom Squad, Juliana Hatfield), and complemented with a remix by Oliver Ackermann of A Place to Bury Strangers on the B-side. Known for their boundary-pushing style and energetic live performances, Dead Tooth is quickly cementing their place in the post-punk scene.
Dead Tooth’s lineup, comprising Zach Ellis (guitar/vocals), James Duncan (bass), Taylor Mitchell (guitar), Ginno Tacsiat (drums), and John Stanesco (saxophone/EWI), has crafted Birthday Boohoo as their most collaborative piece to date. According to the band, this track embodies each member’s input and creative flair. In a recent statement, Dead Tooth described the track as “something we molded out of clay together; each one of our hands shaping it in some way.” This collective spirit is evident in the song’s dynamic range and textural depth, which combines gritty guitars, driving percussion, and distinctive saxophone leads, lending the track a cinematic yet gritty quality.
Birthday Boohoo also features a dark twist with Ackermann’s remix on the B-side. Dead Tooth hinted at this transformation in their Halloween-inspired sentiment, stating, “The song itself couldn’t be more a Frankenstein-level horror unless of course, you gave it to someone like Ollie from A Place to Bury Strangers to really chop and screw.” With Ackermann’s remix, Birthday Boohoo gains an additional layer of intensity, blending his signature sound with Dead Tooth’s post-punk ethos for an eerie yet exhilarating take on the original.
Dead Tooth’s music is often self-described as “rodeo-core,” an intriguing blend of high-energy hooks, unapologetic lyrics, and bold saxophone riffs. Their sound has earned comparisons to punk and hardcore legends like Refused, At the Drive-In, and The Jesus Lizard. With Birthday Boohoo, Dead Tooth amplifies this genre-melding style, adding dark melodies and gritty instrumentation that align with the post-punk genre’s emotional range while breaking free from its conventions. The track’s abrasive charm, heightened by the saxophone’s raw presence, makes for an immersive listening experience.
The band’s live performances have become known for their chaotic energy and unhinged charisma, qualities that make them stand out among contemporary punk acts. Dead Tooth has spent the past two years touring alongside acts like Bass Drum of Death, The Bobby Lees, and Dino Gala, performing at major venues and festivals, including two standout shows at SXSW. Their reputation for energetic, unpredictable performances has positioned them as one of the most compelling live acts in the post-punk circuit.
With the release of Birthday Boohoo, Dead Tooth has announced an extensive European tour spanning 15 cities across Germany, France, the UK, and beyond. Highlights include three UK dates in November—at London’s Shacklewell Arms on the 15th, Manchester’s Big Hands on the 16th, and Nottingham’s Saltbox on the 17th. The European tour allows Dead Tooth to expand their reach, introducing European audiences to their unique brand of punk-infused, saxophone-laden rock.
In a characteristically irreverent statement, Dead Tooth expressed their excitement about performing in the UK, saying, “We’ve always felt like we’d fit right into the UK. Mostly in respect to the outpouring of sick music coming from there but also the general dental condition of the public resonates strongly with us. Cheers mates! We’ll see ya bloody soon.” This tongue-in-cheek humor mirrors the band’s unconventional persona, both onstage and off.
Dead Tooth’s Birthday Boohoo continues their tradition of challenging norms and creating art that thrives on authenticity. Produced by Tom Beaujour, whose previous collaborations with artists like Nada Surf and Juliana Hatfield speak to his skill in crafting complex, alternative soundscapes, this release showcases the band’s willingness to explore new territory. The addition of Ackermann’s remix on the B-side further broadens the track’s impact, pushing it into experimental realms while honoring the band’s roots.
The release on vinyl feels fitting for Birthday Boohoo, encapsulating the timeless, tactile quality of Dead Tooth’s music. The band acknowledges the significance of releasing a song that represents their collective voice in such a tangible form: “To have a song so representational of the group being put out on this really unique & beautiful vinyl feels very special.” Birthday Boohoo captures the essence of Dead Tooth, reflecting their journey and the cohesion that has brought them to this point.
Tour Dates
- November
- 10th – Berlin, Insel
- 11th – Hamburg, Molotow
- 12th – Hannover, Glocksee
- 13th – Bonn, Kult 41
- 14th – Rotterdam, Vessel 11
- 15th – London, Shacklewell Arms
- 16th – Manchester, Big Hands
- 17th – Nottingham, Saltbox
- 19th – Paris, Supersonic
- 20th – Rouen, Le 3 Pieces Muzik Club
- 22nd – Bordeaux, Deus Ex Machina
- 23rd – Seignosse, Black Flag
- 24th – Tolosa, Bonberenea
- 26th – Valencia, Loco Club
- 27th – Madrid, Wurlitzer Ballroom
- 28th – Teruel, Lebowski
- December
- 1st – Kusel, Kinnet
- 2nd – Biel, Café Kairo
- 3rd – Rome, Trenta Formiche
Birthday Boohoo captures the raw energy and collaborative spirit that has defined Dead Tooth’s journey so far. As they embark on this extensive tour, the band is poised to solidify their presence on the global stage, bringing their unique brand of “rodeo-core” to new audiences. With the backing of NME and Spin magazine and a growing fan base, Dead Tooth is primed to leave an indelible mark on the post-punk scene. Their music is more than a nod to the genre’s origins; it is a bold reinterpretation, packed with humor, grit, and raw, unfiltered emotion. Birthday Boohoo is a compelling addition to their discography, and for fans of post-punk, this release is one to watch.
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