Any dream that involves zombies is a nightmare in my book…

Set to an upbeat guitar riff and a minimal drumline, the new record from the rock legends prioritizes its message while delivering an easily digestible soundscape that’s reminiscent of early albums like Kerplunk! and Dookie. Frontman Billy Joe Armstrong’s punchy vocals remain as on point as ever, as he addresses the debilitating effects of the American dream with equal measures of vigor and intensity, especially on lines like “We are not well/Are we not well?”. The song’s sonic elements contribute to an overarching sense of momentum that builds with each repetition of the title lyric, with the band’s respective guitar and drum lines intensifying in response. It’s reminiscent of the Green Day Guitar Hero jams many of us indulged in as kids, highlighting that whether it’s 2005, 2010, or even 2023, Green Day’s remains as accessible and enduring as ever.

The accompanying music video employs a black and white color colour grade as the trio showcase numerous scenes of disenfranchisement and public outcry, interwoven with shots of them performing the new record in what seems like an almost apocalyptic landscape. By the end, it’s as though we’re witnessing a zombie epic, in which Green Day can only survive by performing ‘The American Dream is Killing Me’ over and over (probably don’t expect to see them in an episode of The Walking Dead anytime soon). It’s a fresh and invigorating addition to the rock and punk sphere, and offers a refreshing voice of reason amongst the chaos of everyday life right now. No doubt Saviors will be full of the same when its released on January 19th. For now, check out ‘The American Dream is Killing Me’ in full below. 

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