Speedy Ortiz by Shervin Lainez
Speedy Ortiz have been recording at Joshua Tree.
Speedy Ortiz are back with their first piece of new music since 2018.
Scabs marks the permanent arrival of longtime touring members Audrey Zee Whitesides on bass and drummer Joey Doubek in the band with guitarist Andy Molholt and singer/songwriter Sadie Dupuis, who says:
“Living in progressive cities and working in the arts, you meet peers doing tremendous organizing work. And then there are neighbors who signal their ‘good’ politics through yard signs alone.”
I wrote Scabs standing in line at the post office, overhearing customers berate a USPS employee. This was during a time of postal unions-opposed budget cuts and other major issues for mail handlers, which were widely reported on. People advertising their support for essential workers acted conversely when faced with personal inconvenience.
“The song became more widely about self-designated ethicists who don’t quibble about crossing a picket line for individual benefit.”
