Reconciler "Shots In The Dark"
Photographer: Nicole KiberAtlanta-based punk band Reconciler is dropping a new single on October 19th. The track titled, Shots in the Dark,” is a warning against falling into the rabbit hole of extremism and conspiracy theories that proliferate on the internet. The band's views on online radicalization are evident in the powerful lyrics of “Shots in the Dark.” The song opens with an in-your-face message right from the very beginning:
“Christian death cults circle like sharks
Under these snake eyed politicians
Psychopathic keyboard warriors join in
They salivate over salvation
While they force the deaths of your kin
The proof of concept is in the suffering”
This track marks a turning point for Reconciler who have just signed to a new label. “Shots in the Dark” is the first recording Reconciler has done for indie label Smartpunk Records.
“We’ve had a lot of hurdles to cross since our last release, from the pandemic to line-up changes and even label changes. It’s been a long road, and now that we’re here, we wanted to announce this record with a song that would jump out and hit you in the chin. Shots in the Dark is a razor-sharp lamentation about disinformation and divisiveness that proves we’ve been hard at work. I think we’re at the top of our game.”
Reconciler was first formed in 2016 and became a fixture in the Southeast and East Bay music scenes. The band’s style of punk rock is infused with a heavy dose of Americana. The band refers to their sound as “soft-edged hardcore with a southeastern sensibility.” Reconciler attracted fans and positive media coverage for their debut LP, Set Us Free, released in February of 2019.
After touring across the Southeast and East Coast promoting Set Us Free Reconciler were preparing to set off for Europe in June 2020 for their first international shows. That was when COVID hit the world and life as we knew shut down. It would take 18 months before Reconciler would get back on the stage. In the meantime, fans got to hear new Reconciler material on the split 7-inch with Gainesville band Ship Thieves in January of 202. The following October Reconciler appeared on Grace - A Benefit Compilation To End Homelessness alongside Hot Water Music, Samiam, and Catbite, among others.
“Shots in the Dark” is the first single off Reconciler’s sophomore album Art For Our Sake. The 13-track LP is set to be released via Smartpunk Records on February 2nd, 2024.
