New Jersey’s ska-punk trio Joker’s Republic return with “Dead Inside,” a blistering single out now via Punkerton Records, and the third preview from their upcoming full-length The Hand You’ve Been Dealt (out October 10). Produced by Roger Lima of Less Than Jake and mixed/mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Eric Taft, this track hits fast—and hits deep.
“Dead Inside” balances Joker’s Republic’s signature upstroke bounce with a jagged, aggressive edge. The tempo surges forward with punchy ska rhythms, tight guitars, and a sudden hardcore breakdown that takes the wind out of you in the best way. But this isn’t just about speed—it’s about emotional weight.
The lyrics unravel the quiet desperation of burnout, numbness, and disconnection in a world that never seems to let up. As drummer Pat Elwood explained, it’s a song about pushing through the noise and pressure when you feel like there’s nothing left to give. And somehow, the band manages to make it both cathartic and wildly fun.
Accompanied by a stylized black-and-white music video drenched in horror and sci-fi aesthetics, “Dead Inside” leans into its Twilight Zone vibes—an eerie visual metaphor for the zombified mental state so many live in. The imagery is theatrical, but the emotion underneath is all too real.
Joker’s Republic continue to evolve with every release, building on ska-punk’s upbeat foundations while injecting heavier, more honest storytelling. With “Dead Inside,” they strike that elusive balance: high-energy and heartfelt, danceable and devastating.
