Released: 1 November
Def Wolf Records
Sydney’s own “sad party punkers,” Clay J Gladstone, are breaking new ground with Is This How I Die?, their debut album, dropping November 1 through Def Wolf Records. Known for blending alt rock, emo, indie, and punk into a manic mix, the band captures an energy that’s both infectious and unapologetically raw. From start to finish, this album is a no-skip experience, each track leaving you excited for what’s next.
The opening track, ‘Is This How I Die?‘ sets a strong, catchy tone that’s hard to shake, and it quickly hooks you with its memorable beat. For anyone new to Clay J Gladstone, this song alone will leave you reaching to add them to your regular rotation. ‘Talk of the Town‘ follows with punk heavy energy that practically demands movement. True to punk form, many of these tracks get to the point and end quickly, which adds to the intensity and keeps things interesting.
‘Postmodern Teenage Angst‘ is one of those songs that’s meant to be blasted. It’s got an upbeat vibe that captures the frustration and rebellion of youth—ideal for those late-night drives with friends. ‘Death by Idle Hands‘ introduces a softer side but stays rooted in that punchy punk sound, showing off the band’s range. This tonal shift hints at the album’s underlying theme: finding the silver lining in dark places.
With tracks like ‘Fight Me’, you can almost feel the electric energy of a live show, and this one would undoubtedly be a crowd favourite. It’s high-energy and raw, perfect for mosh pits and sing alongs. My personal favourite, ‘Why Does Everybody Hate Me?’, hits a vulnerable chord, balancing well-written lyrics with an honest, relatable vibe. It delves into darker emotions without being overly dramatic, which makes it easy to connect to.
‘In All of My Disgrace’ is hauntingly beautiful, packing a surprising amount of emotion into less than two minutes. Meanwhile, ‘Three Cheers for Optimism’ and ‘Pessimist’ are quintessential, feel-good anthems that you’ll want on repeat. They capture the bittersweet vibe of a late-night drive, creating an atmosphere that feels nostalgic and hopeful all at once.
The album’s last two tracks, ‘We All Die Alone‘ and ‘Something to Lose‘, serve as a thoughtful close. The final track, with its shift to a more sinister tone and spoken word elements, feels like a perfect wrap-up, leaving you reflecting on the journey the album has taken you on.
Overall, Is This How I Die? is a fantastic debut. Clay J Gladstone have created a memorable experience that’s both energetic and deeply introspective. The album’s exploration of mortality, fear, and acceptance is heartfelt, pulling you in from the very first song. For anyone who loves punk and emo but also appreciates a fresh twist, this album is well worth a listen.
Rating: 9.5/10
Review By Luci Scott
Piurchase Is This How I Die? here
Stream it here
Clay J Gladstone – Is This How I Die? tracklisting:
1. Is This How I Die?2. Talk Of The Town
3. Postmodern Teenage Angst
4. Death By Idle Hands
5. Fight Me
6. Why Does Everybody Hate Me?
7. In All Of My Disgrace
8. Three Cheers For Optimism
9. Pessimist
10. For All Your Friends
11. Parasite
12. i) We All Die Alone
13. ii) Something To Lose
Clay J Gladstone are taking their new record on tour this November, supporting Sienna Skies. Don’t miss them in these cities:
Nov 6: The Basement, Canberra
Nov 7: The Jungle Duke, Wagga Wagga
Nov 8: The Leadbeater Hotel, Melbourne
Nov 14: LaLaLa’s, Wollongong
Nov 15: The Red Rattler, Sydney
Nov 16: Tomcat, Brisbane
