Legendary independent New York-based rock label Equal Vision Records and Common Sage are excited to announce the release of Closer To;, the Brooklyn, NY-based post-hardcore band’s brand new studio album (stream/purchase HERE). Recorded and produced by Brett Romnes (Anxious, Oso Oso, Hot Mulligan, The Movielife) at The Barber Shop Studios in Lake Hopatcong, NJ, Closer To; features the album’s new single, “47.”, a song about self reflection, specifically on some negative aspects that sometimes frontman Julian Rosen finds himself acting on. Watch the music video for “47.”, directed and edited by Rich Weinberger (Gatherers), below.

Additionally, Common Sage will be making numerous west coast appearances supporting Reggie & The Full Effect, kicking off on December 6 in Roseville, CA. A full listing of dates can be found below, and more information on tickets can be found on the band’s site HERE.

Whether it’s acknowledged or not, starting a “post-hardcore” band in this era is not a decision to be taken lightly. The genre, rife with copycats, naysayers, and gatekeepers, can be one of the most critical of its kind. This is why, upon first listen to Common Sage, one should keep an open mind. The Brooklyn, NY based quartet brings to the table not only a serious deference for their groundwork laying predecessors, but they offer something new to the scene altogether—which is much easier said than done.

Common Sage’s sound feels like a modern take on the melodic side of post hardcore with a strong influence from the legendary Long Island emo scene. When these dualistic stylings are partnered with a dissonant, cacophonous riff-storm, they sound something like Quicksand and Title Fight dancing a delicate ballet. This is no doubt a very calculated and deliberate musical high wire act, and it’s not something that can be accomplished by a band that has not done their due diligence.

Herein lies the secret to Common Sage; it’s less of what they choose to put on the canvas as artists, but more of what they choose to hold back that shows the true nature of the band. While something such as a simple three chord breakdown could have served them greatly in the short term—the band opts for much more artful choices, making veteran level structural decisions that you would expect from innovative songsmiths like Modest Mouse or mewithoutYou. It’s easy to see why industry pillars like Geoff Rickly and Steve Pedulla of the band Thursday or Jason Gleason of Further Seems Forever were quick to lend their talents and to the band's new music.

This is why it is so fitting that Sage, a medicinal herb, when burned is used to cleanse the air of all its impurities. One can only hope that Common Sage can accomplish something similar within their genre, clearing out the staid tropes of the past and making way for something new to appear out of thin air.

Common Sage will be making the following U.S. appearances next month. Dates below.

DECEMBER

06 — Roseville, CA — Goldfield Trading Post #

07 — Anaheim, CA — Chain Reaction #

08 — West Hollywood, CA — The Roxy #

10 — Denver, CO — Marquis Theater #

# — supporting Reggie & The Full Effect

Stream and Share “Closer To”

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