UK indie-punk songwriter Sam Russo returns with his fourth album, Hold You Hard, out now on Red Scare Industries. Known for his vivid storytelling and raw honesty, Russo expands his sound here—bringing in guitarist Chris Stockings, bassist Josh Hurrell, and drummer Matt Walrond to deliver his first full-band recordings.
The album is split into two distinct halves: Side A brims with the energy of the full band, fusing melodic punk, pop-punk hooks, and touches of indie grit; Side B strips things back to Russo alone, his voice and guitar carrying the emotional weight with stark intimacy. Together, they form a record that’s both anthemic and deeply personal.
Lyrically, Russo moves between sun-soaked Californian chaos, quiet Midwestern nights, and late-night Florida scenes—turning geography into memory and melody. The result is a record that works as a summer comfort listen but still carries the sharp edges of lived experience.
With Hold You Hard, Russo delivers his most dynamic work yet—an album that can soundtrack both the loudest nights and the quietest moments.
