Biography
Originating in Albany, New York, Drug Church channels a fierce yet articulate brand of hardcore punk under the direction of frontman Patrick Kindlon, who also fronts Self Defense Family. While that project lets Kindlon test the outer edges of his creative impulses, Drug Church adheres more closely to punk’s classic blueprint through its muscular, streamlined guitar attack, incisive lyrics, and persistent thread of sardonic humor. Their initial EP’s direct approach evolved into a heavier, metal-inflected palette on 2015’s Hit Your Head, while 2022’s Hygiene introduced richer guitar textures without softening the band’s visceral force. Prude, Drug Church’s third Pure Noise release and fifth album overall, surfaced in October 2024.
Drug Church formed in Albany in 2011 when Kindlon, serving as lead vocalist and primary songwriter, teamed with guitarists Nick Cogan and Cory Galusha, bassist Pat Wynne, and drummer Chris Villeneuve. Soon after assembling, the group recorded a three-song demo, and No Sleep Records issued their self-titled debut EP in July 2012. The following year brought their first full-length effort, Paul Walker, which infused the driving momentum and Kindlon’s raw, declarative delivery with a tougher, more metallic guitar edge. Extensive touring followed, leading to the February 2015 release of the five-track EP Swell and, later that October, the album Hit Your Head.
Kindlon spent the next two years focused on Self Defense Family’s recording and road work, yet Drug Church secured a Pure Noise deal for their third album that afforded greater resources and extended studio time. Cheer arrived in November 2018, revealing a tighter, more melodic sound alongside heightened vocal precision from Kindlon.
Following additional tours and a pause prompted by 2020, the band resurfaced in mid-2021 with the four-song EP Tawny, issued on five distinct colored and patterned vinyl variants. That release preceded Hygiene, their fourth studio album, which Pure Noise put out in March 2022 and supported with a 23-date North American trek. The record earned strong reviews, registered on several U.K. charts, and reached number eight on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart. Early 2023 saw the standalone single “Myopic,” launching the next album cycle. Reuniting with producer Jon Markson, the group issued the typically incisive singles “Demolition Man” and “Chow” ahead of Prude’s October arrival.
Drug Church formed in Albany in 2011 when Kindlon, serving as lead vocalist and primary songwriter, teamed with guitarists Nick Cogan and Cory Galusha, bassist Pat Wynne, and drummer Chris Villeneuve. Soon after assembling, the group recorded a three-song demo, and No Sleep Records issued their self-titled debut EP in July 2012. The following year brought their first full-length effort, Paul Walker, which infused the driving momentum and Kindlon’s raw, declarative delivery with a tougher, more metallic guitar edge. Extensive touring followed, leading to the February 2015 release of the five-track EP Swell and, later that October, the album Hit Your Head.
Kindlon spent the next two years focused on Self Defense Family’s recording and road work, yet Drug Church secured a Pure Noise deal for their third album that afforded greater resources and extended studio time. Cheer arrived in November 2018, revealing a tighter, more melodic sound alongside heightened vocal precision from Kindlon.
Following additional tours and a pause prompted by 2020, the band resurfaced in mid-2021 with the four-song EP Tawny, issued on five distinct colored and patterned vinyl variants. That release preceded Hygiene, their fourth studio album, which Pure Noise put out in March 2022 and supported with a 23-date North American trek. The record earned strong reviews, registered on several U.K. charts, and reached number eight on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart. Early 2023 saw the standalone single “Myopic,” launching the next album cycle. Reuniting with producer Jon Markson, the group issued the typically incisive singles “Demolition Man” and “Chow” ahead of Prude’s October arrival.
Albums
Singles
