VIAL

Minneapolis’ VIAL magically met through a Tinder post in 2019, brought together by a shared love of ’90s punk, indie, and grunge. Launching into their home scene with their debut Grow Up, they quickly became local favorites, earning support from outlets like The Current and Music in Minnesota.

Signing to LA’s Get Better Records in 2021, their follow-up full-length Loudmouth marked an evolution of their indie-pop and alt-rock beginnings while hinting at heavier leanings, especially on tracks like “Ego Death” and fan favorite “Piss Punk.” There was less reflection on the past and more anger aimed at the future.

While their third release, Burnout, retained the band’s signature whimsy, a fiercer edge continued to emerge. Tales of betrayal and teen drama were matched by a growing hardness that reflected an increasingly fractured society.

With their fourth record, HELLHOUND, the gloves are completely off. There’s a trace of jovial energy in the LP’s title track and interlude, but the rest of the record is relentless. Deceit, revenge, frustration, and vitriol are hammered into every track from start to finish. Produced by Martin Cooke (Death Cab for Cutie, Of Monsters and Men, Destroy Boys), the LP is a powerhouse drawing from vintage punk, classic metal, and everything in between. Anyone who’s crossed them is a target.

Lead single “Creep Smoothie” pulls no punches, calling out disrespect from the worst kinds of men and would-bes alike. “Idle Hands” turns that rage inward. Overall, the record is a culmination of influences and experience, marking an explosive chapter in VIAL’s life.

Behind everything they do is a deep dedication to causes ranging from gender equality and abortion rights to supporting Indigenous arts and refugee aid. The band regularly funnels income directly to these organizations. Many artists pay lip service to making the world a better place. VIAL put their money where their mouths are, and their steel toes where the sun don’t shine.