Cartel is celebrating the 20th anniversary of their breakout album Chroma in a big way: by fully re-recording it, complete with fresh and shiny new mixes. The updated version of their original lead single “Honestly” was released on May 30th. As a longtime Cartel fan, I am absolutely delighted. They’re not simply repackaging the 20 year old album, slapping it on a new color variant of vinyl and calling it a day, they’re giving it a healthy sanding and fresh coat of paint to present something that their 2025 selves can be proud of. In a recent Instagram caption, they describe it as “reimagined–not replaced.” Will Pugh’s vocals are just as rich and resonant as they were 20 years ago, and the recent production work he has done with the likes of New Found Glory has only improved his prowess in the studio. Original members Joseph Pepper and Nic Hudson are strapped in for the ride, adding layers of guitar tracks and crisp backing vocals. The updated track is faster, punchier, and something that can be enjoyed by someone that has never heard of Cartel in their lives as well as people that have belted this song at emo nights over the last 20 years.

Seeing Cartel perform Chroma in full was a highlight of When We Were Young 2024 for me personally, and a huge chunk of North America will soon experience that same joy when Cartel hits the road in September. Chroma – 2025 is out September 12th.

Follow Cartel on Instagram and Twitter