Tess & The Details: Breaking Boundaries with “Runaway” Tess & The Details
Reviewed by Sam Lowry

Tess & The Details’ debut album “Runaway” delivers a smorgasbord of West Coast punk, earning acclaim for its rebellious anthems and powerful vocals, setting the stage for the band’s ascent in the punk rock scene.

In the heart of San Francisco's punk rock scene, Tess & The Details have emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Their debut album, "Runaway," released on November 14th, 2023, via Double Helix Records, has set the stage for a thrilling journey through the realms of punk rock, earning them well-deserved acclaim. If you're not already familiar with Tess & The Details, now is the time to dive into their sonic universe.

"Runaway is a smorgasbord of punk rock," raves The PunkSite, *"Tess & The Details have carefully selected the best elements from the last few decades and served it up with their own distinct twist." With vocals compared to the likes of Millie Manders and Hanne Terweduwe, Tess Stevens leads the charge with sublime intensity, supported by a musical backbone that gives the album its undeniable muscle.

The West Coast punk odyssey begins with the anthemic "Blondie's Gonna Die," where buzzsaw guitars catapult listeners into Tess & The Details' rebellious world. A thread of anti-establishment sentiment runs through the veins of the album, weaving seamlessly from "Blondie's Gonna Die" to the title track, "Runaway." The latter, reminiscent of punk legends Green Day and No Doubt, showcases Tess's powerhouse vocals as she leads a rousing chant.

"There are a lot of character-driven songs where we took some of our experiences and filtered them through characters," explains Tess. Tracks like "Saint of Purgatory" and "Johnny" delve into the realm of fiction, telling stories that feel familiar yet are draped in a witty and dark lyrical lens. The contradictions within "Runaway" reflect the dualities of humanity, creating an immersive experience that transcends the boundaries of conventional punk.

Tess & The Details, comprising Tess Stevens (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Gideon Berger (drums), Dustin Galecki (lead guitar), and Lawrence Hood (bass), bring a distinct West Coast Punk sound that calls upon influences like Alkaline Trio, Rise Against, Foo Fighters, and The Bombpops.

The band's latest single, "Runaway," is a sonic manifesto about embracing the darker facets within oneself. The accompanying music video, set in a cavernous industrial warehouse in downtown Oakland, CA, continues the band's aesthetic journey. "With 'Runaway,' we wanted to do what we love - play our song with intensity," shares the band. The video captures the raw energy of Tess & The Details' live performances, promising a visual experience that matches the intensity of their music.

As Tess & The Details gear up for the release of "Runaway" dropped on Double Helix Records, they invite you to join them on a journey of self-discovery and sonic rebellion. The debut album is a testament to the band's dedication, with every lyric, note, and decision carefully crafted to deliver a record that stands out as one of the best debuts of the year.

In the words of Tess Stevens, "We just want to make great songs and see people going nuts to them when we play live. It’s really pretty simple - Runaway is just the start of what we hope will be a really good time."

Listen to the rebellious anthem "Runaway", and stay tuned as Tess & The Details prepare to unleash their punk prowess upon the world.

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