Long Island acoustic punk duo Bitters and Distractions have released their heartfelt new single “The Threads” via Sell The Heart Records, delivering a raw and reflective anthem that blends punk urgency with folk intimacy. The band recently brought their stripped-down intensity to The Fest in Gainesville, Florida, marking another milestone in their growing DIY journey.
Comprised of Jeremy Quitko and Travis Johnides, Bitters and Distractions translate punk’s confrontational spirit into an acoustic setting without losing its edge. Armed with two guitars and a lifetime’s worth of stories, the pair craft songs that balance grit and vulnerability—music built for sing-alongs, late nights, and self-reflection.
“The Threads” explores the tension between chasing meaning and accepting impermanence, pairing earnest lyrics with driving acoustic rhythms and a catchy, sing-out chorus. It’s a song about resilience and the small victories that keep you moving forward—“a bittersweet toast to the journey, the struggles, and the moments that define us.”
Recorded and produced entirely in the duo’s homes, the track also features guest vocals from Natalia Neal, a former student of Jeremy’s, whose harmonies add warmth and depth to the recording. The result is a song that feels both lived-in and immediate—a nod to punk’s raw heart and folk’s storytelling tradition.
Since forming, Bitters and Distractions have built a loyal following through relentless honesty and melodic songwriting. With nine releases already under their belt, the band has earned comparisons to folk-punk staples while carving out their own identity—loud, emotional, and defiantly human.
Now backed by Sell The Heart Records, the duo are stepping into their most ambitious era yet. “The Threads” captures everything that defines Bitters and Distractions: defiance, camaraderie, and a reminder that simplicity can still hit like a shout from the front row.
For a band that proudly declares itself “punk first, acoustic second,” The Threads is proof that volume isn’t the only way to make an impact. Sometimes, all it takes is a couple of guitars, a few scars, and something worth singing for.
Check out “The Threads”:
