Last month, JER, the solo project of composer, multi-instrumentalist, and Skatune Network creator Jer Hunter, released their excellent second album Death of the Heart. Following up their 2022 debut album BOTHERED / UNBOTHERED, Death of the Heart finds them diving into new musical territory, both in the genres they explore and the way the album was recorded. Recorded semi-live off the floor for the first time, this album highlights the indomitable energy of the JER band, made up of Elwood Bond, Esteban Flores, Ricky Weber, and Emily Williams. This energy infuses the 15 tracks that make up the album, adding more life to the inventive arrangements that seamlessly blend together elements of ska, punk, hardcore, grunge, emo, reggae, and hip-hop. JER’s songwriting prowess also shines through on the lyrics, which find them tackling topics such as the destructive nature of capitalism, the rapidly changing climate, the worrying rise of apathy, and the necessity of growth with lyrics that pull no punches. Death of the Heart is available everywhere now via Bad Time Records. You can grab a copy here or here. JER will be heading out on tour starting tomorrow. Punknews editor Em Moore caught up with Jer Hunter to talk about the new album, recording with a full band, pushing back against moral apathy, the importance of compassion, and so much more. Read the interview below!This interview between Em Moore and Jer Hunter took place on September 11, 2025 via Zoom. What follows is a transcription of their conversation that has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Alix Fernz has released a video for his new song “HaHa!’ The video was directed by Annabelle Fournier and Justine Lacoste. The song is off Alix’s upcoming album Symphonie publicitaire sous influence which will be out on October 17 via Mothland. Alix Fernz released Bizou in 2024. Check out the video below.

Sad Snack have announced that they will be releasing their debut album. It is called Vending Machine and will be out soon via Sell The Heart Records. The album art was created by Jenn Woodall. The band has also announced the tracklist which includes their previously released single “RVIVL”. Sad Snack released their single “Brain Fog” earlier this year. Check out the tracklist and announcement post below.

Mike Patton and The Avett Brothers (Scott and Seth) have formed a new project. It is called AVTT/PTTN and they will be releasing their debut self-titled album on November 14 via Ipecac Recordings, Thirty Tigers, and Ramseur Records. The band has also released a new song called “Eternal Love”. Check out the song and tracklist below.

Odonis Odonis have announced that they have signed with Royal Mountain Records and will be releasing a new album later this year. The album is self-titled and will be out on November 15. The band has also released a video for their new song “Hijacked” which was directed and edited by Ryan Faist. Odonis Odonis released their EP ICON in 2023 and released album Spectrums in 2021. Check out the video and tracklist below.