Photo by Sevin Mundo

Special Interest’s latest single “Nothing Grows Here” is self-released. Maybe this is reading further between the lines than need be, but I can’t help but think that’s an important distinction to make in the context of it being their first new music since graduating from the underground with their universally acclaimed third full-length, Endure, which heard the New Orleans industrial synth-punks joining the ranks of major indie label, Rough Trade. More to come if that still remains true from here on out, but it wouldn’t be the worst thing if they’re back in DIY mode, as it’s apparent that in the time since Endure, Special Interest have leaned further into their more feral sensibilities, be it Logout’s shrill screams or the high voltage breakout from complacency which the listen aims for. That’ll pop off in the pit just fine when the band embarks on a tour with Show Me the Body and High Vis in a few weeks. “Nothing grows here / But denial!,” Logout exclaims repeatedly throughout its chorus. They didn’t need to remind us of what Special Interest are capable of, but there’s power in reminding yourself of your creative autonomy against the noise of being part of something everyone wants a piece of.

Special Interest’s “Nothing Grows Here” single is available now.