Dead Pioneers, the Indigenous fronted band from Denver, release their third album, Wagon Burner, on 26 June via Hassle Records, and return this week with a new single featuring Sleaford Mods provocateur Jason Williamson on guest vocals. Titled ‘The Worst Among Us’, the single is a key track on the album and demonstrates the bands progression, stretching their sound far beyond the confines of punk rock, with a pulsating post-punk groove under-pinning the songs dark, shimmering melodies.
“While it’s easy for me to say I’m proud of every song on Wagon Burner, I’d be remiss by not admitting this one is one of my favourites,” admits frontman Gregg Deal. “The way it came together with (bassist) Lee at the helm of this one. This song feels like a level up for us, a piece that brings together elements that are 100% Dead Pioneers with some other elements that are new. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again, but we really are about the art of this work. ‘The Worst Among Us’ is in this camp, recognizing that we sometimes will find lightening in a bottle more than once while on the Dead Pioneers path.”
The combination of Gregg and Jason’s vocals work perfectly, delivered with complete conviction with the intensity of the lyrics. Sleaford Mods have been an undeniable influence on Dead Pioneers since they first began.
“I wish I could express how excited I am to have Jason on this track with us. Lee introduced me to Sleaford Mods in 2021 when we met and pulled together ‘Bad Indian’. In the space of the original idea of Dead Pioneers being “spoken word with punk riffs”, Lee pointed me to Sleaford Mods and their then new album ‘Spare Rib’. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’ve been proper obsessed with Sleaford Mods since. This feels like another full circle moment for ‘Wagon Burner’, and I am sincerely humbled to share space with the likes of Jason Williamson.
“Colonialism, imperialism, theft, murdering, oppressing and death? All the things a song needs, capped off by the unmistakable cadence and voice of Jason Williamson. This song was an important one lyrically, in presenting some personal experiences while acknowledging the more general grievances of colonialism and imperialism. This moment in the world’s history is more poignant than most for a song like this. Saying the things that need to be said on a political, social and cultural level is wildly important right now,” summarises Gregg.
“Nabbing lands, traditions or symbols with cunning chicanery or beady eyed brute force” How could I not be on a tune with lyrics like these. ‘The Worst Among Us’ is the kind of song that revitalises the idea of Punk within the listener. Wrapped up in some weird Cure/Sisters Of Mercy vibe to boot. Very honoured to be included,” adds Jason Williamson.
Following the release of Wagon Burner, Dead Pioneers will return in July for Irish, EU and UK dates, including 2000 Trees and some co-headline gigs with Petrol Girls.
Dead Pioneers Live Dates
July
8 – IE Róisín Dubh, Galway
9 – IE The Workman’s Club, Dublin
11 – UK 2000 Trees Festival
12 – UK Liverpool Rough Trade (Co-headline with Petrol Girls)
13 – UK Nottingham Rescue Rooms (Co-headline with Petrol Girls)
14 – UK Brighton Green Door Store (Co-headline with Petrol Girls)
16 – DE Back To The Future Festival
17 – DE Adieu Tristesse Festival
18 – DE Seepogo Festival
19 – DE Essen – Don’t Panic
For more information on Dead Pioneers please check their instagram and bandcamp.