Strange Neighbors' electric new single, "Hate Me Less," contributes to the time-honored pop-punk tradition of breakup songs.
"Hate Me Less" recounts the age old tale of a failing relationship, broken across three verses: the first details what seems to be trouble in paradise, the second alludes to complications leading to a breakup, and the third and final verse explores the sting of a partner who has already moved on. Despite lead singer Aidan Strange "trying their best," they are powerless to control the situation, and thus succumb to another doomed relationship, despite who's at fault.
The simple chorus instills the song with a note of sadness –- rather than being strong or bitter through the breakup, the narrator wants nothing more than for their former partner to "hate them less." Featuring overdriven guitar, thumping drums, an agile bass groove, and stand-out vocals, the track showcases each member's strengths to create a cohesive, unmistakable sound.
"I wrote 'Hate Me Less' from the depths of a haunted nostalgia that has weaved a thread throughout multiple previous failed relationships," states Strange. "I was reflecting on a recent breakup in which I recognized I was putting off ending it for far too long, worried about hurting the person, but in the end hurting us both worse. In the end, it became a song about memories, regret, feeling messy, and ultimately, one of hope…but from a healthy distance."
Along with the new track comes the announcement of the band's sophomore album, People Pleasers Pleasing People, which is due out April 18th, 2025 via Mint 400 Records.
The Brooklyn-based group consists of Strange (Vox), Beau Valentine (drums), Dana Bennewitz (bass), and Zach Schweikert (guitar). The band infuses each track with cohesion and intentionality due to their commitment to writing songs together as a group. Their individual histories in music contribute to the band's perceptive sound as well, with Strange and Valentine bringing the theatricality of Musical Theatre, Bennewitz drawing from a background in jazz, and Schweikert's dedication to his 12-string guitar adding depth to the songs.
Their previous singles, "Influencer" and "Crush," delve into a similar style as "Hate Me Less," a shift from the more jangly alt-pop of their prior releases. People Pleasers Pleasing People will be their second studio album, following their 2019 self-release, How To Human, and two EPs in Illuminasti (2020) and Party of None (2023), but it will be their first album released with Mint 400 Records.
Strange Neighbors' musical presence and personality set them apart as a sonic force to be reckoned with, and will display that force at their album release show at The Sultan Room in Brooklyn April 17th.
Featured photo by Grace Puffer
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