https://scache.vevo.com/m/html/embed.html?video=QMGR31515753&playerType=embedded

If you’ve been frequenting JOVM over the past few months, you may likely be familiar with the Minneapolis, MN-based quartet Sick of Sarah. This year marks the band’s 10th anniversary and in that time, there have been several lineup changes, have dealt with increasing financial instability (a common and crowing concern for countless musicians), and they’ve left their long-time label home, Adamant Records. And in some way, the band’s soon-to-be released EP, Anthem (slated for a June 30 release) serves as a statement album – the sort of album that proudly says “we’re still here, goddamn it!” while also serving as a refinement of the sound that won both regional and national attention.

“Rooftops”  Anthem’s first single is a rousingly and slickly anthemic track comprised of punchy lyrics, angular and subtly stabbing guitar lines layered with shimmering guitar lines underneath, throbbing bass and thundering drums paired with punchy harmonies. But what really captures the attention is that the band can craft the sort of catchy hook that channels 120 Minutes-era alternative rock – in particular, I’m personally reminded of The Juliana Hatfield Three, The Cranberries and others. But it also subtly channels a familiar rock trope – the rousing “it’s time to blow this dead town and chase after our dreams, come hell or high water!” song but they do so with the earnest urgency that comes from hard fought experience.  

The official video features the band on a rooftop ecstatically and stylistically performing the song, complete with the other musicians and their lead singer standing behind the drummer for her drum solo before turning into a rooftop dance party.