Chicago’s Violets delivers a powerful full-frontal with “Eras,” off the band’s self-titled debut EP, which will be self-released on May 2, 2025 Bringing together members of Naked Raygun, The Methadones, and Blood People, the new project  Violets has long tentacles in Chicago’s punk rock history. Just don’t expect them to sound like anything familiar.

“People likely have a preconceived idea of what we’ll sound like. And they would be wrong,” says drummer Michael Soucy. “We really don’t sound like any of our past bands,” adds guitarist Bill Stephens. “How about we just describe ourselves as kick ass?”

The quintet – rounded out by guitarist Simon Lamb, bassist/vocalist Fritz Doreza and vocalist/guitarist Aly Jados – has been noodling with their sound for a couple of years now, ever since Lamb, Soucy and Stephens grabbed a round of drinks before a Fontaines DC show and started discussing a project in earnest.

“It had become apparent that Naked Raygun wouldn’t be playing anymore, so a new band seemed like an interesting idea,” recalls Stephens. “Raygun had done quite a few shows with The Methadones so we were tight with those guys and of course loved the band. And I knew Fritz would be up for it as he was in a similar predicament with Raygun like myself.”

When Jados came into the fold the lineup was solidified. “She’s absolutely amazing and really fit right in with the rest of us,” says Soucy. “Her range is unparalleled.” Plus, Jados’ guitar playing added yet another layer, notes Stephens, “sort of like a punked up version of Molly Hatchet with a triple guitar onslaught.” Or, as Jados describes it, “It’s definitely under the rock umbrella, we can get heavy but there’s also a pop element there. There’s a wall of guitars, pop hooks, and a Pixies vibe with a throwback mystique.”