Chicago power-pop outfit The Feeders came together the way plenty of great bands do — through a perfectly timed mix of chance encounters, mutual admiration, and the kind of chemistry that can’t really be planned. In the summer of 2019, songwriter Sam Vicari landed a surprise invitation to perform at Taste of Chicago just as drummer John Perrin publicly praised Vicari’s 2015 solo effort Blunt in a thoughtful Facebook post. Vicari reached out to thank him, and Perrin responded with a simple offer: “Let me know if you ever need a drummer.” Days later, he was behind the kit for the Taste of Chicago set.
The connection deepened quickly over a shared devotion to beloved Chicago punks Smoking Popes, with Perrin soon suggesting bassist Eli Caterer for the lineup. Caterer signed on, and The Feeders were officially underway before they had even played their first proper show.
After cutting their teeth through a run of local gigs and self-released EPs and singles, the band delivered their debut LP Kerchoo via Eccentric Pop Records in 2021. The album earned quiet cult acclaim, with Chicago Reader writer Leor Galil dubbing it “lean, scruffy power-pop for punks who want to try their hand at ballroom dancing” while naming it one of his favorite overlooked releases of the year.
As Caterer’s schedule became increasingly packed, longtime friend and collaborator Alex Rackow stepped into the fold on bass, further sharpening the band’s tight-knit dynamic.
Now, The Feeders return with Dark Days on July 24th, a sophomore LP that doubles down on the band’s nervy immediacy and hook-heavy urgency. The record finds the band channeling anxiety, exhaustion, and catharsis into 27 tightly wound minutes of blown-out guitars and restless momentum.
Free time remains a luxury for the band. Perrin continues a busy touring schedule with JD McPherson and Young Fresh Fellows, while Rackow also plays with Chicago underground favorites LURK. Vicari, meanwhile, balances the chaos of band life with fatherhood. Still, The Feeders continue carving out space for the project whenever they can — recently opening for The Cribs at Empty Bottle and preparing to announce an official Dark Days release show.
Today, Glide is excited to premiere the standout track “Why Do We Fight” along with its official music video. With elements of pop-punk and power pop coming together in glorious fashion, the song feels like an energetic throwback to melodic rock and roll, with simple, direct lyrics, soaring guitars, and a catchy chorus that speaks to anyone who has experienced the turmoil of a relationship. The video that features crazed Barbies captures the power and subtle humor of the music. Ultimately, the tune showcases the tightness of this band and their ability to stir up a lively good time.
Sam Vicari describes the inspiration behind the tune:
“It’s a song about the uselessness of fighting, whether it’s within a romantic relationship or between friends or coworkers — conflict can be cathartic and even productive. Other times, we forget what we started fighting about in the first place, and we don’t feel better when we’re done. Ultimately, it’s a song about examining my own relationship with fighting.”
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