Prude (album)

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Prude (stylized PRUDE) is the fifth studio album by American post-hardcore band Drug Church. It was released on October 4, 2024, through Pure Noise Records. Recording took place in 2022–2023 across multiple studios: Studio Pale Moon Ranch (Juniper Hills), The Animal Farm (Flemington), and Balboa (Los Angeles). The album runs 28 minutes and 39 seconds and was produced by Jon Markson, with the band refining their sound during the sessions.

Background and theme
Drug Church started work on Prude soon after their 2022 album Hygiene. Frontman Patrick Kindlon writes lyrics as he listens to the music, without a fixed concept guiding the process. The record reflects the times and his personal experiences, focusing on frustrations with cynicism and online toxicity. While the songs feel varied, a common thread comes through: they explore characters who feel misled or lost in an increasingly alienated world. Kindlon aims to avoid moralizing, instead showing how people cope with modern life and its pressures.

Music and lyrics
Prude blends hardcore punk, grunge, alternative rock, post-hardcore, and melodic hardcore. The energy of the songs often drives the lyrics, with some tracks offering storytelling while others provide raw emotional release. The album touches on disconnection, societal decay, and introspection, including tension between victims and perpetrators in today’s world. Notable tracks with narrative elements include “Slide 2 Me” and “Business Ethics,” which Kindlon cites as favorites for their storytelling. The track “Peer Review” examines how easily people can be drawn into others’ struggles.

Recording and collaboration
Jon Markson helped shape the album’s sound and structure, providing “helpful nudges” to ensure the lyrics fit the music. Kindlon notes that the energy of the performances largely dictated the lyrical direction.

Singles and promotion
- Myopic — released March 1, 2023 (later included on the album)
- Demolition Man — released July 17, 2024
- Chow — released August 14, 2024
- Slide 2 Me — released September 18, 2024 (music video released September 17, 2024; directed by Manuel Barajas)

Reception
Prude was well received by critics. Distorted Sound gave it 9 out of 10, praising the musicianship and live-ready energy. Dork rated it 4 out of 5 stars, saying it showcases the band’s relentless creativity. Arun Starkey praised the humor and the band’s faithful, united sound. Stereogum named it Album of the Week, calling it loud, catchy, and smart, with reviewers noting its high-energy start and crowd-ready appeal. All tracks are written by Drug Church.

Track listing
All tracks written by Drug Church. (No individual track details provided here.)