‘PO$T AMERICAN’ is the second full-length album by Dead Pioneers. Written in February and recorded in July, it pre-empts the 2024 American election but wraps up the fears and frustrations as eloquently and, crucially, humorously as the band’s 2023 self-titled debut.
“Currently, we are amidst the gross existence of capitalism, colonialism, white supremacy and the many oppressive forces that have come to inform everything around us,” says vocalist and songwriter Gregg Deal. “The title ‘PO$T AMERICAN’ informs a collective disenfranchisement and disillusionment to the so-called American dream, while moving forward with hope of a desired designation of unity outside those that would use us for their own capitalistic power grab.”
The aural palate is broadly the same, but it feels expanded, stronger somehow: drawing on the confrontational writing of Rage Against The Machine, the unapologetic voice of Chuck D and Public Enemy, the storytelling of Johnny Cash, the evolution of IDLES and punk stalwarts including Black Flag, Rollins Band and Dead Kennedys.
Overall, the resulting feeling across the new album is one of cautious optimism: “Although we didn’t expect the political relevance to become more relevant, we have no illusions to the American dream, or to where we seem to be going. But we have hope that we can get to a better place for people to have what they need.” It is an album that speaks to and for this precise time and place; that perhaps could not exist at any other time. It is an album for now.
Dead Pioneers emerged as a dynamic extension of vocalist Gregg Deal’s performance art, seamlessly blending music with critical cultural commentary. Rooted in the same themes of identity and resistance that define his visual work, the band’s sound acts as a powerful platform for addressing the complexities of Indigenous experience.
Deal harnesses the raw energy of punk and alternative influences to challenge prevailing narratives, using lyrics that provoke thought and evoke emotion. Just as his performance art confronts the legacies of colonization and systemic marginalization, Dead Pioneers - completed by Josh Rivera and Abe Brennan on guitars, bassist Lee Tesche (Algiers) and drummer Shane Zweygardt - engages audiences in a visceral dialogue about survival, resilience, and reclamation of voice.
This musical endeavour not only amplifies Deal’s artistic vision but also creates a space for collective expression and solidarity, inviting listeners to reflect on the intersections of culture, history, and identity in a contemporary context. Through Dead Pioneers, Deal continues to assert that art, in all its forms, can be a powerful vehicle for activism and change.
“Being embarrassed to be a white American has never been a bigger visceral, laugh filled, joy than when I’m listening to Dead Pioneers. If you think truth needs a great soundtrack… look no further than Dead Pioneers.” - Shepard Fairey
“Dead Pioneers is one of one. Injecting new life into punk rock with an indigenous perspective and an important message. They are beautiful people and great musicians and we can’t wait to go on tour with them as soon as possible!” - The Interrupters
“Imagine if the fucking Vikings or the Mayflower never made it across the Atlantic and One Mocassin’s grandkids electrified the lute his ancestors found in the rubble of the Mayflower that crashed on the rocks. There would be no Minutemen or Fugazi, only DEAD PIONEERS!” - Jeff Ament, Pearl Jam
“Currently, we are amidst the gross existence of capitalism, colonialism, white supremacy and the many oppressive forces that have come to inform everything around us,” says vocalist and songwriter Gregg Deal. “The title ‘PO$T AMERICAN’ informs a collective disenfranchisement and disillusionment to the so-called American dream, while moving forward with hope of a desired designation of unity outside those that would use us for their own capitalistic power grab.”
The aural palate is broadly the same, but it feels expanded, stronger somehow: drawing on the confrontational writing of Rage Against The Machine, the unapologetic voice of Chuck D and Public Enemy, the storytelling of Johnny Cash, the evolution of IDLES and punk stalwarts including Black Flag, Rollins Band and Dead Kennedys.
Overall, the resulting feeling across the new album is one of cautious optimism: “Although we didn’t expect the political relevance to become more relevant, we have no illusions to the American dream, or to where we seem to be going. But we have hope that we can get to a better place for people to have what they need.” It is an album that speaks to and for this precise time and place; that perhaps could not exist at any other time. It is an album for now.
Dead Pioneers emerged as a dynamic extension of vocalist Gregg Deal’s performance art, seamlessly blending music with critical cultural commentary. Rooted in the same themes of identity and resistance that define his visual work, the band’s sound acts as a powerful platform for addressing the complexities of Indigenous experience.
Deal harnesses the raw energy of punk and alternative influences to challenge prevailing narratives, using lyrics that provoke thought and evoke emotion. Just as his performance art confronts the legacies of colonization and systemic marginalization, Dead Pioneers - completed by Josh Rivera and Abe Brennan on guitars, bassist Lee Tesche (Algiers) and drummer Shane Zweygardt - engages audiences in a visceral dialogue about survival, resilience, and reclamation of voice.
This musical endeavour not only amplifies Deal’s artistic vision but also creates a space for collective expression and solidarity, inviting listeners to reflect on the intersections of culture, history, and identity in a contemporary context. Through Dead Pioneers, Deal continues to assert that art, in all its forms, can be a powerful vehicle for activism and change.
“Being embarrassed to be a white American has never been a bigger visceral, laugh filled, joy than when I’m listening to Dead Pioneers. If you think truth needs a great soundtrack… look no further than Dead Pioneers.” - Shepard Fairey
“Dead Pioneers is one of one. Injecting new life into punk rock with an indigenous perspective and an important message. They are beautiful people and great musicians and we can’t wait to go on tour with them as soon as possible!” - The Interrupters
“Imagine if the fucking Vikings or the Mayflower never made it across the Atlantic and One Mocassin’s grandkids electrified the lute his ancestors found in the rubble of the Mayflower that crashed on the rocks. There would be no Minutemen or Fugazi, only DEAD PIONEERS!” - Jeff Ament, Pearl Jam
TRACK LISTING
A.I.M.
PO$T AMERICAN
My Spirit Animal Ate Your Spirit
Animal
Pit Song
The Caucasity
Mythical Cowboys
Dead Pioneers
White Wine
Juicy Fruit (Ode To Chief Bromden)
STFU
Bloodletting Carnival
Love Language
Fire And Ash
Working Class Warfare
Untitled Spoken Word No. 2