Tampa, Florida’s Big Sad, an indie/punk band comprised of scene veterans who’ve done tours of duty with Clairmel, The Tim Version, Madison Bloodbath and more, release its debut LP, Black Umbrellas (New Granada Records) on September 20, 2024.

Black Umbrellas finds the band still carrying the weight of human struggle from its debut, Send Help, which was released in 2020 on the same day that America confirmed its first case of COVID-19. But, the new music adds another layer of reflection. The lyrics are a companion for listeners who feel like they’ve lost hope in the day-to-day struggle of inequality and fighting to be more than somebody that just gets through the day.

Over seven tracks, Big Sad channels its influences—the warmth of Jets To Brazil’s Orange Rhyming Dictionary, frantic guitars reminiscent of J. Mascis, and the unbridled joy of bands like Superchunk and Archers of Loaf.

Before the album hits the streets, the band shares its lyric video for the album opener “Tragedy At Sea.” The video was directed and edited by the band’s Mario Framingheddu.

Of the song, vocalist/guitarist Richie Lawler says, “The lyrics are from a poem that my friend Anna wrote. To me, it’s about leaving the nest. Some parents push and encourage and some can’t cut the cord.”

In all, Black Umbrellas, as an album, is a reflection on life’s bruises, and it’s a chance for listeners to hear the band’s co-frontmen Dave Decker and Lawler, together with fellow Tampa punk scene lifers Shawn Watkins and Framingheddu, tell them they’re not alone in feeling beat up. Pre-order the album here.

If you happen to be in or around Florida, don’t miss the opportunity to catch them live:

SAT. 09/21 – Tampa, FL @ Microgroove
FRi. 10/26 – Gainesville, FL @ The Fest

Photo by Dave Decker