SPILL VIDEO PREMIERE: FRENCHY AND THE PUNK – “WAR ON WAR”

FRENCHY AND THE PUNK – “WAR ON WAR”

A SPILL EXCLUSIVE VIDEO PREMIERE

Today we have the pleasure of presenting the latest release from Frenchy and the Punk, a band we have long supported. Given the dire situation of world events, especially this year, they emerge with a new anti-war manifesto, as seen in their powerful goosebumps-inspiring “War on War”, which was mixed and mastered by William Faith (The Bellwether Syndicate, Faith and the Muse) of William Faith Music Production, with vocal recording and production at Kale Shelter Studios by Hillary Johnson, known for her work with Jeff Buckley, The Misfits, Rufus Wainwright, The Ramones, Nile Rodgers, Vernon Reid and more.

“War On War” is the band’s second release via Distortion Productions, led by Jim Semonik, a deal inked following their stellar performance at Dark Force Fest last summer. It’s the rare kind of protest song that doesn’t just demand attention—it reshapes the emotional architecture of dissent into something almost hypnotically beautiful. In lesser hands, this level of directness might feel blunt; here, it lands with the precision of a manifesto sharpened into art.

“War On War” finds Frenchy and the Punk operating at full intensity, delivering a track that feels both urgent and theatrical. From the opening moments, the song channels the brooding atmospherics of Siouxsie and the Banshees and The Cure, while injecting a sharper, more modern edge reminiscent of Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Samantha Stephenson’s vocal performance is commanding and deliberate, striking a balance between spoken-word urgency and melodic release, while Scott Helland’s guitar work pulses with tension and precision. The production leans into contrast—angular riffs meet spacious, almost cinematic textures—creating a soundscape that feels as expansive as its message.

Lyrically, “War On War” is unapologetically direct, framing its anti-conflict stance through a wider lens of societal frustration and disillusionment. Rather than relying on vague metaphor, the song pushes forward with clarity and conviction, echoing the confrontational spirit of The Damned and the moody introspection of Concrete Blonde. There’s a sense of controlled chaos beneath the surface—percussion and loops build a hypnotic backbone while the vocals cut through with a call for unity and resistance. It’s this fusion of message and mood that gives the track its staying power, transforming it from a simple protest song into something more immersive and emotionally resonant.

The accompanying video reinforces the song’s themes with a stark, DIY aesthetic that complements the duo’s fiercely independent ethos. Much like their relentless touring reputation, the energy here feels lived-in rather than manufactured, a testament to their years of evolution as performers. “War On War” doesn’t just nod to post-punk’s past—it actively engages with it, pushing the genre forward while honoring its roots. For fans of darker, danceable alt sounds with substance, this single stands as a compelling preview of what’s to come next from a band that continues to refine and expand its sonic identity.

Samantha Stephenson shares, “This song is not only about war but also the deterioration of truth and destruction of progress. It’s the belief that the majority of people in this country and the world do not want to go backwards and do not want to see bloodshed. It is the frustration that the few, fueled by greed and lust for power, who manipulate for their and their cronies’ advantage, cause such grief and destruction for the many. It is a call to voice opposition to the chaos and insanity. It is a call for unity beyond borders.”

Since their inception in 2005, Frenchy and the Punk have cultivated a career defined by independence, consistency, and a refusal to follow predictable paths. Regarded as one of the most internationally recognized female-led postpunk duos on the scene today, their trajectory has been shaped by extensive touring and a hands-on approach to every aspect of their output, from recording to visuals. Their catalogue reveals an ongoing pursuit of new textures and structures, merging darker tonal sensibilities with propulsive rhythms and unconventional instrumentation. This willingness to evolve while maintaining a clear artistic identity has allowed them to remain relevant within an ever-shifting alternative landscape, earning a devoted audience that continues to grow with each release.

Torchbearers of a new era in post-punk, Frenchy and the Punk was formed in 2005 by vocalist, percussionist, keyboardist and lyricist Samantha Stephenson and guitarist-composer Scott Helland, co-founder of Deep Wound (with Dinosaur Jr. icons J Mascis and Lou Barlow) and Outpatients, and also known for his exceptional solo music project Guitarmy of One.  A veteran of the US hardcore punk scene, Scott Helland has spent years honing a dynamic, high-impact performance style that now drives Frenchy and the Punk’s electrifying live presence and genre-blurring sound.

‘War On War’ is out everywhere digitally, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. A full-length album is also in the works, planned for release in late 2026. They have also announced their spring 2026 tour dates, listed below.

CREDITS

Written by Samantha Stephenson & Scott Helland
Samantha Stephenson – vox, keys & percussion
Scott Helland – guitar, bass & percussion
Music mixed & mastered by William Faith at William Faith Music Production
Vocal recording & production by Hillary Johnson at Kale Shelter Studios
Video filmed & edited by Samantha Stephenson
Released by Distortion Productions
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

While you are here, kick back and enjoy their previous video “Not Under Your Spell”:

Frenchy And The Punk
[Single]
(Distortion Productions)
Release Date: April 2, 2026

TOUR DATES

April 3 – ITHACA, NY @ Nocturnal Cafe
April 4 – ROCHESTER, NY @ Bar Bad Ending
April 6 – SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY @ Desperate Annies
April 9 – LOUISVILLE, KY @ Planet of the Tapes
April 10 – DAYTON, OH @ Blind Bob’s
April 11 – INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Goth Prom @ Healer
April 12 – CHICAGO, IL @ LiveWire
April 14 – ST LOUIS, MO @ The Crack Fox
April 15 – COLUMBUS, OH @ Spacebar
April 17 – PITTSBURGH, PA @ Sidequest (with Ego Likeness)
April 18 – EASTON, PA – Coven @ Lafayette Bar
April 19 – DETROIT, MI @ Small’s (with Past Self)
April 22 – RICHMOND, VA @ Fallout RVA (with Ego Likeness)
April 23 – ARLINGTON, VA – Dark Constellation @ Renegade (with Ego Likeness)
April 25/26 – HOLLY SPRINGS, NC @ Festival of Legends
May 22 – World Goth Day Online Fest @ FnP YouTube Channel
June 3 – NEWCASTLE, UK @ Trillian’s
June 4 – EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND @ Banshee’s Labyrinth
June 6 – MORECAMBE, UK @ ASDO Festival
June 12 – SOWERBY BRIDGE, UK @ Blind Pig
June 19 – BIRMINGHAM, UK @ Merlin’s (with Attrition)

Artist Links

Background Photo Credit: Nicola Bee