Ahead of their new albumWe're Still Here, out March 24, 2023, which showcases a hard hitting lineup of features, Philadelphia’s HIRS Collective shares single "Sweet Like Candy." Dropping today, Dec. 7, this all-things-heavy ripper highlights the commodification of feminine insecurity in western culture.
With oscillations from death metal to grind to hardcore, the lyrics detail a woman’s rejection of such impossible standards and a refusal to participate in being useful to such a system and instead of choosing a life as described by the title. Instead of sweetness, “I choose decay.” With help from Nø Man, Thou, and JJM, the vocals are pissed, the intensity is maxed, and the subs in the breakdown at the tracks end are pushed to peak, just as they should certainly be."
Completely self-produced (like always) and completely self-managed (the Collective is also a driving force behind Get Better Records, who are handling the release) the HIRS Collective’s We’re Still Here is a statement of bravery and irascible resilience that will be one of their many entries into an already unmatched career whose influence has already started to affect young musicians the nation and world over. The HIRS Collective knows its strength and is meeting the realization of its power with measured intention.
“We don’t think we can destroy every single negative structure, but we can dismantle them within ourselves. And if we have the chance to destroy it, let’s fucking go. But we aren’t going to be given any power from anyone else and have to take it for ourselves.”
