Raleigh, North Carolina-based band Hattricks has taken the next bold step in their musical journey with the release of their new LP, Unglued, a record that blends gritty alternative rock with elements of punk and post-hardcore. Known for their raw energy and dynamic live performances, Hattricks channels that intensity into this latest album, delivering a collection of tracks that feel both cathartic and deeply personal.
Formed by high school friends Ben Wright (vocals, guitar), Tyler Harris (bass), and Alex Dillon (drums), Hattricks has built a reputation for their DIY ethos and a sound that captures the angst and restlessness of youth. With Unglued, the band expands on these themes, offering a more polished yet still visceral collection of songs that speak to disillusionment, mental health struggles, and the complexities of growing up in a fast-changing world.
The title, Unglued, reflects the album’s core theme of coming apart at the seams, both personally and socially. Tracks like "Fractured Lens" and "Stay Clean" delve into feelings of alienation, self-doubt, and frustration, all set against a backdrop of driving guitars and pounding drums. Wright’s lyrics, delivered with a mix of urgency and vulnerability, explore the often messy process of trying to hold oneself together in difficult times. The album’s sound draws on influences from bands like At The Drive-In, Pixies, and Fugazi, blending melodic hooks with frenetic riffs and explosive rhythms.
One of the standout tracks, "Out of the Frame," exemplifies the band’s ability to balance aggression with introspection. The song starts with a quiet, almost meditative intro before exploding into a full-throttle anthem, capturing the emotional highs and lows that define Unglued. Similarly, the track "Static Echo" features jagged guitar lines and pounding percussion, creating a sense of tension and release that echoes the album's larger themes of uncertainty and instability.
Despite the heavy themes, there’s a sense of resilience that permeates Unglued. Hattricks has managed to channel their personal struggles into a record that feels universal, with each song offering a glimpse into the cathartic power of music. The album also showcases the band’s growth as musicians, with tighter arrangements and a more refined production compared to their earlier releases, without losing the raw energy that has made them a staple of the Raleigh music scene.
Critics have praised Unglued for its authenticity and emotional depth, noting the band’s ability to craft songs that are both intensely personal and broadly relatable. The album has been described as a reflection of the pressures facing young people today, whether it’s the struggle to find meaning in an increasingly chaotic world or the internal battles with mental health.
As Hattricks gears up for a string of tour dates across the southeastern U.S., Unglued is set to cement their place as one of the most exciting rising acts in the indie rock and punk scenes. With a sound that’s equal parts fierce and introspective, the band’s latest effort shows that they’re unafraid to confront their demons head-on—and in doing so, they’ve created a record that’s as powerful as it is relatable.
