Louisville post-punk outfit Charm School drops their new single, “Happiness Is A Warm Sun.” Known for their raw, aggressive sound reminiscent of Metz and Protomartyr, Charm School takes a surprising turn here. “Sun” feels like Lou Reed fronting a krautrock outfit in the vein of Can or Faust—hypnotic, moody, and endlessly compelling. The track offers an exciting preview of their debut LP, Debt Forever, due out in January 2025.
Charm School marks the latest incarnation of songwriter Andrew Sellers (aka Andrew Rinehart), joined by longtime collaborators Matt Filip, Drew English, Brian Vega, and Jason Bemis Lawrence. This rebranding signals a clear shift from Sellers’ earlier, more melodic efforts—like his recent duet with Bonnie “Prince” Billy—toward a grittier, more unrelenting sound. Think 70s post-punk and No Wave colliding with 90s post-rock, and you’re in the ballpark.
A Louisville native, Sellers’ resume is steeped in DIY culture, with stints in NYC and LA’s underground scenes. His bands have shared stages with iconic acts like Joan of Arc, Grizzly Bear, and At The Drive-In, further cementing his reputation as an artist willing to evolve and push boundaries. Charm School’s debut EP, Finite Jest, dropped in 2023, laying the groundwork for the much-anticipated Debt Forever.
Influences and Sonic Context
Charm School’s sound has drawn comparisons to heavyweights like The Fall, Pere Ubu, and more contemporary acts like Lithics and Protomartyr. Queen City Sounds & Art aptly described their music as tapping into a well of influences, while Post-Punk.com noted their ability to evoke a sonic playground where the B-52s, PIL, The Fall, and Gang of Four converge.
The band explains that “Sun” is an outlier on Debt Forever:
“It’s the only song that was essentially improvised in the studio, and the lyrics came together almost automatically. They reflect ideas swirling in the collective unconscious—fascism’s rise, constant wars, financial pressures, media overload, the looming algorithm, and the lack of empathy online.”
This improvisational energy brings a spontaneity and immediacy to the track, anchoring it in both musical experimentation and sharp cultural commentary.
With Debt Forever set to arrive in early 2025, Charm School is redefining modern post-punk—melding chaotic energy, hypnotic grooves, and dark, pointed lyricism. If “Happiness Is A Warm Sun” is any indication, Charm School is a name you won’t forget in 2025.