Drones’ forthcoming album ‘Our Hell Is Right Here’ is an extremely personal journey for vocalist Lois McDougall and the latest single to be revealed from the record is no exception. “‘Epitaph’ is the emo anthem of our new record,” says McDougall. “The umbrella term ‘mental health’ is so wide-spread and complex that it can be hard to pin-point the exact problem that one person is experiencing. That’s why conversation is so important to try and unwrap the layers of each individual‘s struggles. Personally, I’ve done a lot of exploring over the last few years to try and find out which wires are crossed for me and since writing this song I have finally found some appeasing answers. A diagnosis can really help free you from the spiralling mess that depression can cause, and writing Epitaph was just one step of that process for me.”
From the forthcoming album ‘Our Hell Is Right Here’. Set for release 12 February 2021 via Lockjaw Records
Crammed with high-octane punk anthems, ‘Our Hell Is Right Here’ will be released 12 February 2021 via Lockjaw Records in the UK with Thousand Islands Records releasing the full length in North America. “It’s been a pretty rough ride for the past couple of years,” says vocalist Lois McDougall when looking back on the journey the band have been on to get to this point. “But I struggle with claiming my problems and sadness as valid because they are disproportionate to the danger and loss that many face every day. It got to the point where I was almost ashamed to write songs about my own life. However, I’m learning that personal care and self-worth is not something to be diminished. There are songs on this album that I had to write for my own therapy. Whilst writing this record, I went through a divorce, lost a family member and was battling with my own mental health. At the same time, it felt like the world was falling apart. ‘Our Hell Is Right Here’ is the product of my experiences over the past few months. There’s a lot of sadness on this record, but I can now look back and celebrate who I have become in spite of it all.”
The album’s title track ‘Our Hell Is Right Here’ – an emphatic condemnation of abuses of power, featuring a guest turn from Petrol Girls’ Ren Aldridge – is out now too. And a further album track – ‘Josephine’ – was also released several weeks ago. It’s another deeply personal journey with McDougall, addressing her past unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Its accompanying music video features intricate models of each band member, crafted by animator William Davies, embarking on a journey to another world.
