Calgary indie-rock quartet Summer Bruises dive deep into the dark side of emotion on their haunting new album Out of Body, recorded at Arch Audio Studio with producer Lorrie Matheson. The record, now available on all streaming platforms, marks a bold evolution for the band—trading the warmth and cohesion of their debut Light to Waste for icy textures, tension, and introspection.
At its core, Out of Body explores the idea of confronting one’s inner and outer predators—whether emotional, psychological, or physical. From the vampiric imagery of “Sang Crême Glacée” to the volatile chaos of “With Me or At Me,” the record confronts abuse, loneliness, and self-reckoning with brutal honesty. Its lead single, “Death Disco,” channels these themes into a hypnotic pulse: a goth-inspired dance track that feels equal parts seductive and unsettling.
Musically, Out of Body leans into colder tones and fractured arrangements. The band intentionally recorded in separate rooms—or even alone—to reflect the album’s emotional isolation. The result is a sound that recalls the detached chill of Joy Division, merging drum-machine-like percussion and discordant piano with a danceable, brooding energy.
“Death Disco” itself represents a turning point for Summer Bruises. Written during moments of creative tension, it became a test of both collaboration and endurance. The track captures that tension perfectly—its lyrics hovering between regret and self-awareness, its rhythm urging listeners to move even as the darkness closes in.
Frontwoman Elyse Szabo and guitarist Aaron Smelski describe the song as a moment of realization and surrender: the instant you recognize you’ve gone too far and must dance your way through the consequences. The band set out to write something that might echo through The Batcave in 1980s London—and they’ve done just that, delivering a song that feels both nostalgic and immediate.
Out of Body cements Summer Bruises as a band unafraid to bleed, break, and rebuild. It’s a chilling yet cathartic collection—proof that even in the coldest moments, there’s still rhythm, defiance, and release.
Watch the video for “Death Disco” below:
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