If you’ve ever felt emotionally chaotic under the sun, Annual Killers’ latest single “IS 12:00 THE NEW 420?” is your new summer anthem—and your new sad-boy soundtrack. Released by the South Wales-based trio, this track is a swirling fusion of Midwest emo introspection, melodic punk energy, and dreamlike vulnerability. It’s catchy, raw, and emotionally potent—proof that Annual Killers are finding their voice in a crowded alternative scene.
Annual Killers—made up of Cohan Maybank, Morgan Price, and newest addition Jack Lewis—aren’t just another band influenced by the emotional candor of acts like Mom Jeans and Title Fight. They’re crafting something uniquely their own, blending “pretty chords” and distorted confessions into a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Jack’s addition to the band marked a creative shift, and it shows. With this release, the band lands confidently on a new sonic identity—one that feels polished but still punk-hearted.
From the opening riff, “IS 12:00 THE NEW 420?” carries a bright, summertime glow—jangly guitars, snappy rhythms, and a groove that screams midday road trip. But underneath that sunshine lies a moody undercurrent. The lyrics tell the story of longing—for a love that seems just out of reach—and that emotional ache rises steadily until it bursts in the song’s final moments, where the lead vocal lashes out in a desperate scream. It’s one of those rare moments where the delivery is as visceral as the meaning.
“The song details a longing for a love our main character feels they will never be able to have… it ends with the lead lashing out and screaming in desperation for what he wants most.”
This emotional arc, laid bare through candid lyrics and dynamic shifts, makes the track feel authentic and unfiltered. It’s a vibe that taps into the vulnerability at the core of emo music while still being rhythmically accessible and incredibly replayable.
Annual Killers describe the track as “some of our catchiest work and most energetic,” and that’s not just self-promotion—it’s a fact. The melodies are infectious without being overproduced. The tone is crisp but gritty, thanks in part to the Quad Cortex tones dialed in during recording sessions at Northouse Studio in South Wales. The technical finesse adds weight to the emotional punch, making this more than just a bedroom punk confession—it’s a statement.
One of the most compelling aspects of this track is its emotional versatility. As the band puts it:
“It’s a summer vibe song that can also double as a sad boy hours song… perfect for listening at any time.”
This duality is rare and refreshing. Whether you’re moshing in your mind or staring out the window wondering where it all went wrong, “IS 12:00 THE NEW 420?” meets you right where you are.
After some time away from the stage, Annual Killers are gearing up to return with performances at Jacs in Aberdare and The Green Rooms in Trefforest—two promising steps for a band clearly ready to reintroduce themselves with more purpose and power. Their time off has been anything but stagnant, and this track proves it.
“IS 12:00 THE NEW 420?” isn’t just a song—it’s a snapshot of emotional unrest wrapped in melodic euphoria. It shows Annual Killers evolving past genre tropes to carve out their own space, where honesty, intensity, and hooks can coexist. Whether you’re new to the emo revival or a longtime fan of underground indie-punk, this track demands your attention.
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