Squint’s Big Hand is a dynamic journey through time, growth, and hardcore punk

St. Louis-based hardcore punk band Squint packs a punch on their 10-track, 24-minute debut album Big Hand.
Produced by: Jon Markson
Big Hand is a compelling reflection on time, growth, and the emotional tug-of-war between progression and regression. On it, Squint blends decades of punk, hardcore, alternative, and art-rock influences, resulting in a sound both nostalgic and forward-looking. Produced by Jon Markson (Samiam, Drain, The Story So Far), the LP showcases Squint at the peak of their sonic development, shaped by relentless touring and musical evolution.
The track ‘Sunshine’ is a prime example of the band’s unique identity—fuzzy hardcore underscored by catchy melodies, paying homage to 80s punk bands like Rites of Spring, Hüsker Dü, and Black Flag. But Big Hand does not stop there. With tracks like ‘Magic’ and ‘Half Asleep,’ Squint also plunges deep into 90s alternative rock, channeling the energy of bands like Pixies and Everclear. Across the album, the ringing guitar melodies and larger-than-life choruses build on the core punk sound and provide an expansive, yet grounded experience.
Lyrically, frontman Brennan Wilkinson explores themes of frustration with time, personal growth, and breaking free from the routines that keep us stuck. His shouted vocals resonate with angst while also conveying a sense of hope. In the title track, ‘Big Hand,’ the band starts slow and builds to a fast, cathartic hook, with Wilkinson’s lyrics shifting from emptiness to a desire to regain control over time—or the ‘Big Hand.’
Released via Sunday Drive Records, Squint’s Big Hand blends gritty punk with reflective songwriting, offering a layered and emotionally rich debut that is sure to resonate with listeners.
Standout Songs: ‘Lessons Learned,’ ‘Sunshine,’ ‘Grace,’ and ‘Big Hand.’
Release Date: October 25
6.8
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