Norwood Fisher launches his label with Mad Tab’s explosive single “Awake,” marking the band’s long-awaited breakthrough after years in the underground.
Norwood Fisher launches a new chapter with his label InnaNuttshell Reekordingz. He opens the imprint with a band he knows well: Mad Tab. Their new single “Awake” is out now. It marks the label’s first official release. In addition, it also signals a long-awaited breakthrough for a band that has spent nearly two decades in the Southern California underground.
At its core, “Awake” confronts destructive cycles. It pushes toward change and self-awareness. The track moves fast and hits hard. Dual vocals drive the momentum. Tight instrumentation adds precision. As a result, the sound balances controlled chaos with raw aggression.
Mad Tab formed in 2006. Since then, they have built their name through DIY shows and constant evolution. Lineup shifts slowed their progress at times. However, they kept going. Along the way, they explored reggae, ska, and rocksteady. Eventually, they returned to punk, the core of their identity.
“Awake” feels like a turning point. It captures the band at full strength. Their recorded sound now matches the intensity of their live shows. Moreover, their chemistry comes through with clarity.
The track draws influence from Bad Brains and Turnstile. It blends ferocity with a modern edge. In addition, melody and groove cut through the speed. Subtle keys and analog synths add depth. These elements expand the band’s range without softening their impact.
Fisher’s connection to the band runs deep. He has worked with frontman Dave Tab for years in the local scene. Therefore, Mad Tab becomes a deliberate first signing. They set the tone for the label’s direction.
The band will release their debut album, Alas! The Bomb Voyage…, in Fall 2026. They spent nearly four years on the project. Hayden Hanson recorded it at Tubetown Studios. Meanwhile, Jim Monroe handled the mix. Together, they captured the band with power and clarity.
After years of setbacks, Mad Tab arrives with purpose. “Awake” does not tease potential. Instead, it proves they have reached it.
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Alexie Jhernet Aragoncillo
Alexie, who writes under the pseudonym Luna, loves writing beneath all the stars in the sky. She adores how the moon shines the brightest even on the darkest nights. She finds comfort lying on a soft mattress, giggling over her favorite Boys’ Love series. Above all, she aspires to be a future psychologist—an advocate and a voice for mental health.
