Photo by Philip Cosores
Back in October, Beach Slang was forced to part ways with guitarist Ruben Gallego after sexual assault allegations were levied against him. The band has chosen to soldier on, and today have released their first new music since his departure. Instead of an original song, however, it’s a cover of the classic Green Day track “2000 Light Years Away”.
The rendition comes as part of a cover story from UK rock magazine Kerrang! celebrating Green Day’s 30th anniversary. Included with copies of the issue is a tribute CD featuring the likes of Milk Teeth, Twin Atlantic, and Waterparks tackling a range of songs from the pop punk icons’ career. For their part, Beach Slang don’t alter the Kerplunk! opener drastically, but its scratchy, lo-fi fury captures the original’s teenage angst well. Take a listen below.
In other Beach Slang news, the band has formally announced their new touring lineup, replacing both Gallego and drummer JP Flexner, who was booted from the band back in the summer. Aurore Ounjian of Mean Creek has joined as lead guitarist, while former Afghan Whigs and current Okkervil River member Cully Symington will play drums. Despite the new members, the Philly outfit is currently working on their first LP as Quiet Slang, the acoustic version of the band featuring mainly frontman James Alex.
