New Jersey’s Good Teal are preparing to release their self-titled debut EP on August 15, bringing an intense and unpredictable take on hardcore. The band has already introduced their sound with the single “Parasites!” and now follow it with the powerful “Excusing The Hurt,” a track that combines searing instrumentation with deeply personal storytelling.
Driven by sharp, volatile guitar work and commanding rhythms, “Excusing The Hurt” delivers a direct and unflinching vocal performance from frontperson Reg Mason. The song confronts childhood abuse and the way those experiences echo into adulthood, using music as both expression and healing.
“Hardest song for me to write, lyrically,” Mason shares. “I never felt that I had a proper place to talk about being a victim of abuse growing up. I trained myself to be quiet, as it was easier than risking being vulnerable. Then I found the words to say.”
The song’s structure mirrors its emotional arc. The first verse captures the acceptance of how trauma can shape mistrust, followed by a conscious decision to reject the cycle of harm. The second verse, featuring longtime collaborator GINI’, speaks from the perspective of someone still immersed in pain, seeking empathy by inflicting hurt. By the end, both voices arrive at the same word — “excuse” — acknowledging they exist on the same spectrum of damage.
The track’s accompanying video, directed and edited by Mason, follows a first-person narrative that matches the song’s intensity. The combination of visual storytelling and sonic aggression creates a layered experience that reflects the song’s raw honesty.
Good Teal is made up of Mason on vocals and bass, Shane Stanton on drums, Curt Grayson on rhythm guitar and keyboards, and Alex Goldenthal on guitar. Self-recorded and produced by the band, and mastered by Matt Filipek, the upcoming EP captures their creative control and commitment to a sound that is as fierce as it is personal.
“Excusing The Hurt” and “Good Teal” are available on all streaming platforms now.
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