Chief State ignite anticipation for Keep Your Friends Closer with the high-energy single “DAMN!,” showcasing a bold collaborative direction and evolved pop-punk sound.
Canadian pop-punk force Chief State deliver a high-impact statement with their new single and music video “DAMN!,” the final preview of their sophomore album Keep Your Friends Closer, arriving April 17 via Mutant League Records.
The fast-paced track bursts with melodic intensity while showcasing the band’s sharpened confidence. As a result, the release signals a decisive step forward in both sound and identity.
Moreover, “DAMN!” highlights the band’s refined balance of grit and hook-driven energy. Its tight structure and urgent momentum reinforce Chief State’s reputation for crafting emotionally charged yet anthemic pop-punk. Consequently, the single sets the tone for an album shaped by evolution and creative unity.
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Collaboration Sparks a New Direction
Notably, “DAMN!” marks a turning point in the band’s songwriting process. For the first time, the current lineup built a track together from the ground up. Previously, members developed ideas individually and later combined them. This time, however, the group embraced a fully collaborative approach. That shift allowed each member to shape the song’s direction in real time.
Vocalist Fraser Simpson describes the session as energizing and creatively freeing. Because everyone contributed ideas equally, the track captures the band’s present chemistry and future ambitions. In addition, the writing session produced a playful detail: the group challenged themselves to incorporate the unlikely word “mattress” into the lyrics, inspired by a local brand discussion. The result reflects both the band’s humor and their growing confidence as collaborators.
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Chief State Builds Momentum Toward Release
Tim Creviston (Spiritbox, Youth Fountain) produced, engineered, and mixed Keep Your Friends Closer, while Stu McKillop at Rain City Recorders handled mastering. Together, they helped shape a sound that feels cohesive, expansive, and emotionally grounded. Throughout the album, Chief State channel personal growth into bigger choruses and more focused songwriting.
Meanwhile, years of touring across North America have strengthened the band’s global reach. With each release, they continue to refine their blend of urgency, vulnerability, and melodic drive. To celebrate the album’s launch, Chief State will perform in Vancouver, supporting Wheatus on April 13 at The Pearl. An official release show follows on May 9 at the same venue, featuring Dead Churches and Darryl Saves Lives.
The Vancouver-based group stands among Canada’s most compelling modern pop-punk voices. By combining emotional honesty with dynamic instrumentation, Chief State continue to expand their sound while remaining true to the genre’s expressive core.
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