A pop-punk band from Upstate New York, Matchbook Romance, is set to return with their first new music in two decades. The group announced that their new single, titled “Something Worse Than the Night,” will be released on January 16, 2024. This marks a significant moment for fans, as it is the band’s first new material since their last album, “Voices,” launched in 2006.
In a post on their official Facebook page, the band excitedly shared a clip of the upcoming song, urging their nearly 70,000 followers to pre-save it. The accompanying video features a character in a Superman costume gazing at the Matchbook Romance logo displayed on a vintage television screen, creating an intriguing visual that has already captured audience attention.
From Humble Beginnings to Pop-Punk Fame
Formed in 1997 in Poughkeepsie, NY, Matchbook Romance initially performed under various names, including Fizzlewink and The Getaway. The band gained traction after signing with Epitaph Records in 2001, during a time when pop-punk and emo music were gaining widespread popularity. Their breakthrough album, “Stories and Alibis,” was released in 2003 and helped define the sound of a generation.
The lineup, led by singer-guitarist Andrew Jordan and bassist-vocalist Ryan Kienle, also featured 18-year-old drummer Aaron Stern, who had just graduated high school. Jordan reflected on their early days, sharing, “We never thought it was something that could actually come true for us,” as he juggled band commitments with working as a waiter.
The group rose to fame during the Warped Tour and MySpace era, with hits like “Monsters,” which has accumulated over 50 million streams on Spotify, and other fan favorites such as “Promise” and “The Greatest Fall of All Time.” Their music resonated deeply, leading to features on the cover of Alternative Press and performances at major events, including MTV Spring Break.
A Long-Awaited Reunion
After releasing a couple of EPs and touring extensively, Matchbook Romance entered a hiatus in 2006. Although they played sporadic shows between 2013 and 2018, the band began dropping hints about a potential reunion late last year. In December, they posted on Facebook with the word “Indefinitely,” accompanied by a photo of a microphone, igniting excitement among their fan base.
As anticipation builds for “Something Worse Than the Night,” fans have expressed their enthusiasm online. Comments range from “Finally!!!! I am so excited!!!” to “We have only been waiting like 20 years.” The emotional connection fans feel toward the band highlights the impact Matchbook Romance has had on their lives and the pop-punk scene as a whole.
While there are currently no details regarding a full-length album or tour dates, the release of this new single represents a pivotal moment for both the band and their followers. The resurgence of pop-punk, emo, and alternative rock in recent years, with other artists like Goldfinger and Good Charlotte re-emerging on the scene, adds to the excitement surrounding Matchbook Romance’s new music.
As the January release date approaches, fans eagerly await what the band has in store, marking a significant chapter in the resurgence of a beloved musical genre.
