Titus Andronicus have three words for fans: “We’re Coming Back.” With this cover of Cock Sparrer’s Oi! punk classic, the New Jersey rockers are teasing a special something, though they’re keeping coy about the details
The band released their last album, An Obelisk, three years ago, which ties for the longest they’ve kept fans waiting for new music since their 2008 debut, The Airing of Grievances. It’s too soon to start pre-ordering the vinyl, but Titus Andronicus are clearly pleased with whatever they’ve got cooking.
“All I can tell you right now is that Cock Sparrer gave us the most open-hearted and uplifting song in all of British punk’s second wave, perhaps even of any wave, foreign or domestic,” frontman Patrick Stickles said in a statement. “I have wept to this song many times over the years, and it is a joy to share our version with the world, especially since it afforded me the opportunity to work once again with the inimitable Ray Concepcion.”
Concepcion directed the “We’re Coming Back” video, which parodies a sports movie training montage. Stickles jogs, swings across monkey bars, lifts weights, and studies film, specifically himself performing. He writes in a notebook, “More guitar solos.”
“I do not claim to be any kind of athlete,” Stickles continued, “and after three intense days of shooting this video, I have been, and continue to be, more sore than ever before. It’s rough getting old, but I have never shied from suffering for my art, nor do I intend to pursue a path of such cowardice in the future.”
The video also shows Stickles’ signing merch and carrying it to he post office, as well as his decision to give up beer and cigarettes — plus the moment he changes his mind. It’s pretty funny, which makes the sudden appearance of Matt “Money” Tiller extra heartbreaking. The band’s former keyboardist passed away last year, gone but nowhere near forgotten.
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So what does it all mean? “It’s right there in the title,” Stickles said. “There’s nothing more to say… we’re coming back.” Check it out below.
Whatever else Titus Andronicus have planned, there’s at least one festival appearance in their future. The group will play the inaugural Frantic City in Atlantic City, and tickets are available through the event website.
