Stories of Teeth – Lanes (2025)
With abruptness, brashness, and in-your-face-ness, US-based Stories of Teeth know how to knock your socks off while leaving you with a grin on your face. The combined talent of long-time musicians David Paul Johnson (vocals and bass) and Coby Cardosa (drums and keyboard), Stories of Teeth gathers diverse experiences, influences and styles in its hard-hitting punk-tinged sonic bubble. This is the first time we’re listening to Stories of Teeth, and I’m eager to jump into their new single, ‘Lanes’.
Following the single ‘Satan Dracula 2024’, ‘Lanes’ shifts from a classic rock vintage to something as powerful but slightly crazier. In a fusion of crashing drums, scorching guitar and dynamic keys, Stories of Teeth bring an old-school punk sound to our ears; however, unlike the idea of punk knocking you out in its abrupt frenzy, ‘Lanes’ is slightly tamer with rock-tinged tones. It’s a sort of soothing line lingering in the melody, easier on the ears and brimming with sincerity… then again, the core of ‘Lanes’ remains old-school, mosh-pit, pay-attention punk passion.
One aspect I find intriguing about ‘Lanes’, and all of Stories of Teeth’s material, is how the unique sounds align with the messages. The band shares: “Stories of Teeth believes in the freedom of expression… the only limits to expression should be your own desires…”; I feel this sentiment strongly represented in the not-quite-punk but still brash as punk ‘Lanes’. It’s a freedom of expression within its diversity – chaotic and energetic, but still a comfortable hand leading you through the darker world of generalisations. As the lads say, “…this song ‘Lanes’ wants to let you know that we will play what we want and you should too.”
Not the greatest punk fan, but I’m still a great admirer of the anti-establishment, break-the-rules, self-discovery and expression founded in the genre. For me, ‘Lanes’ is just that: a perfect allure to those significant ideals while remaining but diverging from Sid Vicious insanity. Will I listen to Stories of Teeth? Sure thing, they’re interesting! Do I recommend Stories of Teeth? If ‘Lanes’ is anything to go by, then hell yes!
Find out more about Stories of Teeth on their Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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