We’re excited to share a full stream of the debut full-length from Pennsylvania punks Witness Marker.

The band was formed in 2017 when guitarist Bruce Ewell initially began the concept under a working title of Burn It Backwards, inspired by an Elliott Smith. While the name has changed to Witness Marker, that detail is an important clue that this is a new direction for Ewell’s songwriting. The band play melodic skatepunk, with a subtly aggressive-yet-thoughtful tone that shifts between inner reflection and punch back at the world hostility. Think southern California skatepunk meets DC, with additional subtle layering.

Ewell recruited vocalist Chis Werner to the project -- the two previously played together in No One’s Hero -- seeking Werner’s unique writing approach. Both members stress how the Witness Marker is a maturation, a band with a serious but less cynical view of the world that explores themes of sticking through friendships and self-improvement in difficult times.

Listen below (hit the + sign for a full track list).

Fat Wreck Chords will release a Useless ID greatest hits collection on May 7 called Most Useless Songs. With 16 songs in total, there are two brand new songs, including "Same Old Revolution," which premiered this week (video below).

The Israeli punk band originally formed in 1994 and has8 full-lengths so far. Speaking of choosing which songs in particular would make the album, vocalist Yotam Ben-Horin says, "It was hard for us to narrow it down, since we think there are a few more songs that could’ve been on the ‘best of,’...But we thought, ‘What if we released an album of the songs we play live and in the order we do them? How would that go?”

On the upcoming June 12, 2021 Record Store Day, Southern Lord will release a 6LP box set of Engine Kid material. The set is called Everything Left Inside, collecting four releases from the Seattle, WA band during their 1991-1995 run.

The band, which features Greg Anderson (Southern Lord label owner, also in Sunn O))), Goatsnake & Thorr's Hammer).

The Venomous Pinks have announced a new live EP. Called Based on A True Story, the EP features four live recordings and becomes available on Friday April 23.

Recorded in the middle of a pre-COVID tour, the recording captures the Arizona trio's energy, including a Joan Jett cover, "I Want You."

Baltimore, MD's protopunk-inspired Ravagers have shared a new single, "Down That Road," including a video further down in this post. It's the band's second new single this year, which will lead-up to their Badlands full-length later this fall.

Taking influence from the greats -- Dead Boys, New York Dolls, and Ramones -- the band recorded Badlands with Tuk Smith (formerly Biters/Tuk Smith and the Restless Hearts) and Dan Dixon. It will see release on Spaghetty Town Records (USA) and Wanda Records (Germany) in September. 

The band is also scheduled for RKR MTN Ripper II in Denver on Sept. 10-12.

As we've covered previously, veteran independent label Kill Rock Stars is celebrating 30 years throughout 2021 with a digital subscription series that covers classic tracks from throughout the label's history. Those tracks are being released individually throughout the year, and this week sees the latest: Califone covering "Family Swan, originally released by Mecca Normal (The Family Swan, 2002).

Speaking of the song/artist choice, Tim Rutili (Califone) states:

I first saw Mecca Normal with the Go Team and Some Velvet Sidewalk in Chicago many years ago. I had my little mind blown and spent all the money I had on 7inch records at the merch table. That show was one of those experiences that changed the way I looked at music and everything - It was microscopic, personal and massive all at the same time. There is truth and heart, existential frustration and self-acceptance in this music that made me feel like I wasn’t so alone in the world. It made me want to move to the Northwest. I still want to move to the Northwest... Maybe someday.

Anyway.. This song is a classic movie that is beautiful, sad, funny and bleak all at the same time. This song is a really good book that breaks your heart with unwanted truth, but you can’t stop reading it and you can’t help but see the good and horrible sides of yourself and everyone you know and love in the world it creates. This song is undeniable humanness.

Thank you Mecca Normal. Happy Birthday, KRS.

Check out the song below and hit the embed to find the subscription song and all previously released cover tracks, including songs originally by Elliott Smith, Bikini Kill, Quasi, and more.

Detroit, MI rockers The Stools have a new (to vinyl) live record coming up: Live at Outer Limits. The recording was originally released on cassette by drummer Charles Stahl's Painter's Tapes label but is seeing a wider vinyl release on May via Big Neck Records.

Get a taste, with "Wrong Crowd," below.

Jim Ward, whose musical resume includes At The Drive-In, Sparta, and Sleepercar, has announced a solo album called Daggeres, out in approximately two months. Due on June 11 thanks to Dine Alone Records, the lead single for "Paper Fish" premiered this week, giving a taste of what's to come.

Early summaries of the record describe it as less post-hardcore and more "pop-informed" than his previous work.

While Daggers is presented as a solo effort, the album features collaborations with many familiar musicians, including Tucker Rule (Thursday) and Ben Kenney (Icubus).

New York trash punks World War IX are back with a new EP called Phoning It In, complemented by a comic book in their continuing series. Oh, and a new vocalist too: Johnny Celentano.

The new EP is available on 10" vinyl via Turkish punk label Kafadan Kontak Records.

A video for the single "Larry's House" is shared after the bump.