DEAD POET SOCIETY RETURN WITH HYPNOTIC NEW SINGLE “ROACH”
Photo credit: Darren Craig
Los Angeles rock outfit Dead Poet Society is back with “Roach,” their second standalone single and another bold reminder that they're one of modern rock's most adventurous bands. Accompanied by a hypnotically unsettling music video, the new track finds the quartet continuing to push the boundaries of alternative rock while embracing an even darker and more immersive sonic landscape.
Since emerging onto the scene, Dead Poet Society has built a reputation for refusing to color inside the lines. Fusing gritty riffs, inventive guitar work, infectious grooves, and emotionally charged songwriting, the band has carved out a sound that sits comfortably between alternative rock, hard rock, and experimental influences without ever becoming predictable.
“Roach” continues that evolution. The track is driven by a pulsing rhythm section and eerie, tension-filled melodies that slowly tighten their grip before exploding into a massive, hook-laden chorus. The band's signature blend of controlled chaos and melodic precision is on full display, creating a song that feels equally unsettling and undeniably catchy.
Elevating the release even further is its accompanying music video, a relentless descent into psychological horror that perfectly complements the song's dark, unsettling energy. Directed by Mindreader and Jack Underkofler, with producer and director of photography Alex Kouvatsos of Blackwolf Imaging, the visual unfolds like a fever dream. Packed with horror-inspired cutscenes, claustrophobic imagery, and an ever-present sense of dread, it evokes the eerie, liminal terror of the Backrooms phenomenon. Every scene ratchets up the tension, blurring the line between nightmare and reality.
Kouvatsos explained the creative vision behind the video, saying:
"The band has been world-building since their latest single, and we were on multiple calls during pre-production to really nail the tone. At its core, the song is about resentment, and we wanted the old man to carry that resentment through every scenario. When the bodies are being dragged, he's not physically doing it. He's standing in the corner, witnessing it. To me, he embodies that resentment, while the bodies represent him reliving his trauma."
That underlying concept gives the video an added emotional weight, transforming it from a horror spectacle into something far more psychological. Rather than simply complementing the music, the visuals deepen the themes of “Roach,” creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. Think horror. Lots of horror.
“Roach” follows the band's recent string of standalone releases, suggesting that Dead Poet Society is entering another creative chapter without sacrificing the fearless experimentation that has earned them a devoted following. It's a track that balances heaviness with melody, restraint with intensity, and accessibility with artistic ambition.
Stream “Roach” now and watch the band's hypnotically unsettling new music video.
