Asheville’s Kerosene Heights make a bold leap forward with Blame It On The Weather, their new full-length out August 15 on SideOneDummy Records. Across 12 tracks, the band blends the urgency of Midwest emo with the grit of punk rock, crafting songs that are as raw and emotional as they are sharply melodic.
Shaped in part by the chaos and destruction of Hurricane Helene, the record uses “weather” both as a literal backdrop and a metaphor for personal upheaval. It’s an album about change, survival, and finding beauty in the mess. The band—Chance Smith (vocals, guitar), Justin Franklin (guitar), Elle Thompson (bass, vocals, lap steel, trumpet, synth), and new drummer Benji Bennis—lean into a more collaborative writing style here, resulting in some of their most layered and dynamic work yet.
Produced by Billy Mannino at Two Worlds Studio in Queens, Blame It On The Weather shifts effortlessly from delicate, introspective moments to chaotic bursts of sound, often within the same track. From the shimmering opener Sunsetting to the cathartic title track, the album feels like a restless journey—both sonically and emotionally.
Early buzz suggests this one won’t stay confined to the DIY scene for long, and for good reason. Blame It On The Weather is proof that Kerosene Heights are ready for a bigger stage without losing the heart that got them here.
