According to a statement from Whatever… the band have rejoined Dr. Strange Records and are preparing for the release of a full-length, Into Darker Days, in the Spring.

“Well, it’s official… We are back and our new full-length record will be released on Dr. Strange Records. We are thrilled to be back in the DSR family with our new release planned for April/May 2025! Thank you to Bill, everyone at DSR and Alan (@doc_disc) at Goldmine Magazine for following our comeback story and making it public! See everyone in 2025 with a new record and lots more shows!”

Originally active from 1991-1997, Cleveland’s Whatever… released its first new music in 27 years in 2024. The Our Decline 7″ (Siren Records SR/WR#010) featured two brand new songs showcasing the band’s signature song craft and intensity.

Original members, Ben Wrecked (vocals, guitar) and Matt Fish (drums) are joined once again by second guitarist Brett Moore (Sidecar, Night Sweats, Dead In London), and new bassist Peter Woodward (Sidecar, the Unknown, Restless Habs).

From the edge of Cleveland in 1991, childhood comrades Matt Fish and Ben Wrecked began a musical journey. Propelled by their shared passion for punk, rock, metal, and a touch of mischief, their journey was marked by bassist lineup changes, fervent local and regional gigs, and a series of independent releases that garnered a dedicated following. Their alliance with Dead Beat Records and Runt Records in their early years helped set the stage for what was to come.

By 1996, the ensemble found its rhythm with Mike Slapface joining on bass. Their signature blend of aggressive yet melodic tunes found a home at Dr. Strange Records. Releases like the full-length “Youngsters” / DSR #69 and collaborations with label mates, notably Zoinks!, solidified their place in the punk rock scene. The addition of Brett Moore on second guitar further enriched their sound, leading to extensive tours across the US and Europe alongside bands like The Bollweevils, Zoinks!, The Gain, and The Feds. However, as the ’90s drew to a close, the band took a step back, marking the end of an era in 1998.

Yet, 2023 broughta renaissance. The original comrades, joined again by guitar wizard Brett Moore and seasoned Cleveland musician Peter Woodward on bass, are rekindling their fiery spirit.

With a new album slated for 2025 and plans to grace stages locally, regionally, and internationally, the band is poised for a triumphant return. As they gear up to reignite their iconic sound, fans old and new can expect a resurgence of their infectious passion and energy.

Follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Photo by Ken Blaze.