All it took was a TikTok teaser early in June for a single to have chills running down my spine for a new Motion City Soundtrack single. Then, the music video tease a week ago, again via TikTok, which is more than fine that it’s clearly a reference to my current television obsession, Severance. I’m totally fine about this. No, it’s totally okay that the track listing dropped for the upcoming album, slated for September 19 via Epitaph, with features from Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump and Sincere Engineer’s Deanna Belos, among others.

Alright, Motion City Soundtrack, I’m back and so ready.

While I didn’t catch any goats in the music video, the Severance references are exactly on point. Plenty of dated computer terminals, a cart of melon á la Helly R.’s welcome party, and plenty of disorienting shots of transitioning consciousnesses from the band. (A note to MSC specifically: If you happen upon this review, Justin and crew, please let me know if you’d like to chat with us about this upcoming album or just Severance, I’m down for either.)

Truly, the song hits the exact note of what I’d want as a long time fan. I got the chance to head home today, while the weather has a short break from over 90-degree heat, to blast it with the windows down. It truly feels like I’m picking back up right where I left off the last time I saw them on the So Long, Farewell Tour in 2016. With an immediately stuck-in-your head chorus and a track that overall will have you jamming so hard while you drive that you possibly commit a moving violation (this action is not endorsed by HMM), Motion City Soundtrack has never been more back. I’m heavily anticipating their upcoming album, no matter if their Innies or Outies are the ones putting it out.

Watch the video for “She Is Afraid” on YouTube.
Preorder the album, vinyls, cds and bundles at https://motioncitysoundtrack.com/