After a decade-long hiatus from studio albums, Minneapolis pop-punk mainstays Motion City Soundtrack return with a new single, “She Is Afraid,” the lead track from their upcoming album, The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World, due out September 19, 2025 via Epitaph Records.
Recorded at Chicago’s Electrical Audio with longtime collaborator Sean O’Keefe, the album features guest contributions from Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy), Mat Kerekes (Citizen), and Deanna Belos (Sincere Engineer). The band retains its signature blend of melodic urgency, catchy Moog synth textures, and introspective lyricism.
“She Is Afraid” is a tightly crafted return to form—anchored by emotive vocals, dynamic guitars, and the quirky synth flourishes that defined Motion City’s early work. Vocalist Justin Pierre describes the track as a “neurotic flash of lightning,” blending influences from That Dog and Faith No More to Del the Funky Homosapien.
The accompanying music video—visually inspired by the tone and aesthetics of Severance—amplifies the song’s tension and emotional complexity. Premiered live at New York’s Mercury Lounge on June 17, the track signals a creative resurgence for the band.
The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World will include 11 new songs, capturing Motion City Soundtrack’s classic charm while exploring fresh emotional terrain.
