Static Dress Release New Single 'human props', Sign To Sumerian Records

After what seemed like ages, the UK post-hardcore quartet Static Dress have returned with new music. Those who have been keeping up with the band, or caught them on their tour in support of Dying Wish have heard songs still unreleased, using working titles such as "CDP", and "connor", but this marks official release since "face.", almost a year ago.

This release also marks a shift in record labels, with the band leaving Roadrunner Records, on what seems to be less than amicable terms, for Sumerian Records. Static Dress haven't exactly been outspoken about their distaste for Roadrunner, but they haven't exactly kept it hidden, either. Two instances that come to mind are the 2025 Death to The Overground hoodie, featuring a design made based on the Roadrunner logo. The second comes in the form of an easter egg of sorts. For those who attend the band's US tours, the second level of their arcade cabinet at the merch table includes a wall texture with the phrase "Fuck this label" carved into it. Things with Sumerian seem to be much more promising, with the band commenting on the signing:

"Shawn and the rest of Sumerian have believed in Static Dress for years completely selflessly. Now, our paths have finally crossed at just the correct time, allowing us to execute this band in the way we always wanted to.

No compromises, no forced ideas, no inauthenticites.

They run a label like a label should be ran; actual people promoting music for fans, not just a wannabe money printing machine."

Following teasers spanning QR codes, phone calls, slide puzzles, and a countdown timer, "human props" is finally here, and it was well worth the wait.

Recent singles "crying" and "face." have landed relatively on the short side, with crying just barely crossing the 3 mintue mark. "human props" declares this trend dead , clocking in at just under 4 minutes. In a video for Alternative Press, frontman and creative spearhead Olli Appleyard described the track as part At The Drive In, part Portishead, part Far Apart with a touch of Arctic Monkeys sprinkled in.

"human props" is all killer, no filler. From Vin Weight's bouncy riffs on the first verse, to the dreamy trip-hop infused bridge, the band covers a wide variety of tones, never sacrificing intentionality. Everything has a place and a purpose in the realm of Static Dress, and this track is no different. It's worth noting that this track features prominent vocals from bassist George Holding, on a level previously not heard from him. Here, vocals from Appleyard, powerful as ever, and Holding alternate from main and backup vocals to a back-and-forth.

Lyrics focus on the band's distaste for content musicians and people in the industry in it for profit rather than the music. This concept was explored previously on the interlude track "death to the overground.", only available on the band's YouTube page and on certain editions of the Rouge Carpet Disaster Vinyl. If you take all the bits and bobs previously mentioned and then combine them with some absolutely monstrous drumming from Sam Ogden, the result is a track that both lyrically and sonically elevates itself amongst the rest of the band's catalogue. Truly a highlight amongst an already impressive slew of tracks.

Visually, "human parts" is Static Dress at their best. Label funding has allowed them to truly go nuts with the visuals. The video alternates between shots of the band playing outside a large hall, and a pair of blonde twins being swarmed by reporters in masks. The masked paparazzi have eerie, birdlike eyes, leaning further into a vulture metaphor. Also interstitched is footage of a woman in a hotel room holding a human baby with the body of an octopus tentacle, as well as some other material that will remain unspoiled, but is sure to drive fans of the band's intricate overarching lore absolutely mad.

This new era for Static Dress is off to one hell of a start, and what follows is sure to be even more exciting.

Check out the new music video below.

Static Dress are currently on tour in support of Paleface Swiss.

STATIC DRESS TOUR DATES

01/16 – Glasgow, UK @ SWG3
01/17 – London, UK @ Troxy
01/18 – Bristol, UK @ O2 Academy
01/20 – Brussels, BE @ AB
01/22 – Vienna, AT @ Gasometer
01/23 – Leipzig, DE @ Haus Auensee
01/24 – Hamburg, DE @ Docks
01/25 – Berlin, DE @ Huxleys
01/27 – Munich, DE @ Tonhalle
01/28 – Tilburg, NL @ O13
01/29 – Oberhausen, DE @ Turbinenhalle
01/30 – Wiesbaden, DE @ Schlachthof
02/02 – Toulouse, FR @ Le Bikini
02/03 – Madrid, ES @ Wagon
02/04 – Barcelona, ES @ Razzmatazz
02/05 – Lyon, FR @ La Rayonne
02/07 – Zürich, CH @ Halle 622
05/23 – Hatfield, UK @ Slam Dunk Festival (South)
05/24 – Leeds, UK @ Slam Dunk Festival (North)

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