To disband or to carry on? That is the question Chief State found themselves struggling with as changing priorities shifted focus and attention away from one of Vancouver’s most treasured pop-punk institutions. The two remaining remembers channeled the prospect of calling it quits into a new song, filled out the line up with close friends, and have delivered what is the first of hopefully many new Chief State releases.
“Keep Your Friends Closer” is the second single from their upcoming LP and bares the hallmarks of what fans love about Chief State and carries a nuance of maturity that only struggle can teach. For nearly 10 years, Chief State has toured relentlessly, poured an immeasurable amount of time and energy into their music, and has amassed a loyal following that recognize the passion the band brings to every show. The natural wear and tear of that lifestyle has led to the demise of many promising artists – but the resilience of Chief State shines in the latest single.
Opening with the line “Here lies a man / Heart in his hand / One last demand / Keep your friends closer”, Chief State launches into a melodic pop punk banger that offers more substance underlying the high energy delivery the band is known for. No strangers to expertly pairing deep lyrics with addictively arranged instrumentation, “Keep Your Friends Closer” offers a much needed dose of positivity. As the band sings about the many times they have been down or stuck, there has always been an up that follows.
The new single is the titular track of Chief States upcoming album, due out April 17 via Mutant League Records.
“Keep Your Friends Closer is the amalgamation of 10 years of grit and determination, it’s about getting back up when you’re knocked down, it’s the pursuit of a dream, it’s us, it’s Chief State. The album explores friendship, hardship, betrayal, love, anger, isolation – life. The fundamental lesson being that we should keep our loved ones closer, not just relate on the surface level but learn all there is to know about those we choose to spend time with.”
Connect with Chief State:
Stream “Keep Your Friends Closer“
Instagram
Facebook
TikTok
Twitter
Website
Bio:
Hailing from Vancouver, BC, Chief State have built a reputation as one of Canada’s most exciting pop-punk exports. Blending emo-tinged grit with soaring melodies and pummeling rhythms, the band delivers heartfelt anthems rooted in unflinching honesty. With years of releases and relentless touring behind them, Chief State continue to evolve while staying true to the urgency that defines the genre.
