Sourpunch is back with their first release since 2022’s Meet Me at the Bar. The good-time swing rock-and-roll quartet will be releasing Shake Them Bones on April 3. The six new songs follow the formula of previous material to keep the sweaty punk dance party going. Nick-a-Nees will be hosting their album release party on April 11, adding a perfect setting for their sound.
“Sourpunch songs aren’t all that deep,” says singer/guitarist Jenn Lombari. “They’re just feel-good dance songs.”
The album was recorded at Big Nice Studio on a Monday, with Emma Newton. It’s the first studio recording with their current lineup: Lombari (vocals, guitars), Doug Metivier (drums), Bob Kadlec (guitars, vocals), and Mike Jauquet (bass). They treated the recording like a day at the office should be, laying down tracks with business-like precision while not fraying on the fun or energy.
“It was a real standard day in the studio,” Metivier says matter-of-factly.
“Recording was easy,” Kadlec says of the experience. “We did basic tracks live as a band. We then overdubbed leads, vocals, and backing vocals.”
“Recording at Big Nice was a treat as it is the only place I’ve ever recorded before (with Meridian, a couple years back),” Jaquet says.
“Recording Shake Them Bones was a ton of fun,” Lombari says. “It’s nice to have Mike on a recording now.”
Jaquet joined the band in 2025 and immediately made an impact with his positive attitude, flowing bass lines, and impressive dance moves.
“He’s definitely been a fun addition to the band,” Lombari says. “Now it feels super official because we finally recorded with him.”
“From joining to recording felt natural because it was like jamming with friends and family,” Jaquet says. “I felt immediately welcomed, wanted, and willing to share the energy. Certainly made dancing on stage and being myself easy.”
“The current lineup of Sourpunch is my favorite so far,” Lombari says. “I hope it stays this way for a long, long time. I’d love a horn section, but the universe seems to always keep that from happening, because it knows we’d be too powerful and the world can’t handle that.”
Their first single, “Rebound N’ Down,” was recently released and has already been getting butts spontaneously moving and keyboards typing positive comments. The song sounds like something played at a ’50s sock hop if someone purposely revved the RPMs to 45 instead of 33. It’s got everything a rock and roll fan yearns for, including some rocking piano, courtesy of Metivier. The song has the ability to leave people breathless from dancing and singing along, and is a great first sample of what is to come.
“It’s basically a song about a rebound relationship that won’t take the hint,” Lombari says of the song. “It became the first single because of the catchy parts we were able to use in promo clips. It’s a fun song to sing along to, and it’s hard not to dance to.”
Man Made Hills, a western folk rock band from Brooklyn, will be opening the Shake Them Bones release party, setting the stage for a night of sweat, singing, and smiles. The bands have shared the stage a few times and have a strong rapport.
“Man Made Hills is a favorite to play with,” Lombari says. “They’re just a complete, well-oiled machine of a band. No one else around here is like Man Made Hills. They’re like old school revival rhythm and blues.”
Sourpunch keeps the mood light to keep the party going, but a couple of tracks do go deep with subject matter.
“‘Dead Friends’ was inspired by the loss of Joe Fernandes,” Lombari says. “It’s a tribute to everyone we’ve lost too soon. ‘Gin Buzz’ is about my dog, Patrick, who passed away.”
The serious subject matter doesn’t take away from the dance-party atmosphere. Sourpunch has a mission of making people sweat away their worries with their infectious rock and roll.
“I think the album came out great,” Jaquet says. “I was honored to contribute and comfortable enough to put in my two cents when things came up.”
“We’re really excited to release Shake Them Bones and have a party with our friends and fans at every show,” Lombari says. “We have some great shows coming up!”
Sourpunch will be celebrating the release of Shake Them Bones at Nick-a-Nees on April 11, with Man Made Hills Opening. sourpunch.bandcamp.com/album/meet-me-at-the-bar