This is Falsely Accused’s first release since their 2021 debut album Compression and the 2022 holiday track “Northbound (For Christmas).” Inspired by Dennis Lehane’s 1994 crime novel, “A Drink Before the War” acts as an anthem for those who face life’s battles alongside a partner.
Matt Tavano, the band’s vocalist and bassist, explains:
“For me, ‘A Drink Before the War’ is a love song. I wrote it with my wife in mind. It’s about finding that person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with and facing challenges together. Sometimes, before taking on something difficult, it’s important to take a moment, gather your strength, and then push forward. It’s a calm before the storm, something I think many couples have experienced.”
Musically, “A Drink Before the War” marks a shift for the band. While Compression leaned into swampy blues, this track delivers a thicker, heavier post-grunge vibe with precise riffs. This evolution reflects how Tavano, drummer Mike Azzolino, and guitarist Mark Young have refined their sound since forming just before the pandemic.
The song opens with a lo-fi riff and the crackle of vinyl, creating a calm before unleashing a powerful wall of sound. This buildup mirrors the theme of preparing for battle.
Falsely Accused recorded the track at Kennedy Studios in Burlington, MA, with Steve Aliperta and mastered it at Germany’s Protonaut Studios by Dominik Honold. Tavano highlights that this single represents a key moment in their growth, pushing each member out of their comfort zones.
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Photo courtesy of Falsely Accused.
