Iron Chic

Punk rock frequently highlights its rebellious edge, yet the melodic style of Huntington Station, New York outfit Iron Chic instead channels the genre’s communal spirit and collective feeling. The group came together in 2008 with singer Jason Lubrano, guitarists Phil Douglas and Robert McCallister, bassist Mike Bruno, and drummer Gordon Lafler, shaping a propulsive, catchy approach filled with anthemic choruses and whoa-oh-ohs that pull listeners straight into the fray. When these energetic tracks are paired with lyrics confronting life’s letdowns, inner turmoil, and unpredictability, the result recalls the emotive punk of the Bouncing Souls. Iron Chic issued their debut full-length, Not Like This, in 2010, then joined Bridge Nine Records, which put out the follow-up The Constant One in 2013. A heavier atmosphere colored their third album, much of it composed after guitarist McCallister’s death in January 2016. Issued in October 2017 on SideOneDummy, You Can't Stay Here confronts mortality, anxiety, and, ultimately, endurance.