It’s been a long 5 years but Speedy Ortiz returns with the new single “Scabs.” Since the band’s inception in 2011, Speedy Ortiz has radiated exuberance and dynamism like few other rock bands, having produced an expansive and critically revered discography, toured worldwide, and inspired the next generation of bands with inventive songwriting and advocacy to better the music industry. Songwriter, guitarist / vocalist  Sadie Dupuis has remained busy as well, releasing solo material (collaborating with the likes of Lizzo, The New Pornographers, Ben Lee and Backxwash) under the Sad13 moniker, publishing two poetry books, and running the Carpark Records imprint and literary journal, Wax Nine (Spacemoth, Johanna Warren, Melkbelly). “Scabs” is the first single to feature longtime touring members, bassist Audrey Zee Whitesides and drummer Joey Doubek, who are now full-time contributors alongside Dupuis and guitarist Andy Molholt.

The single was engineered and mixed by Illuminati Hotties’ Sarah Tudzin, who also co-produced the single along with the band. It was recorded in the nearly-alien desert landscapes of Joshua Tree’s Rancho de la Luna and El Paso’s Sonic Ranch. Wryly excoriating people whose activism ends at empty words instead of material work, the song’s riffs feel lived-in and playful, pushing between knotty time changes, oddball percussion, and cheeky vocal hooks. “Scabs” reaffirms Speedy Ortiz’s desire to push themselves politically and musically, vital and surprising as ever.