Alabama’s Abusements release “Grievance Beerwater Reprisal”
Abusements, the high-energy punk rock band hailing from Montgomery, Alabama, is proud to announce the release of their third LP, “Grievance Beerwater Reprisal”. Formed in 2017 by lyricist and frontman DJ Fake Name (Todd Souvignier), Abusements has evolved from a three-piece into a powerful five-member ensemble. The band’s current lineup, solidified in 2022, includes Musical Director and drummer Dominique Bradley, Sr., bassist and vocalist Lyra Lyricat, and guitarists Wil Evans and Jay Hensley.
Abusements have built their reputation on relentless live performances characterized by DJ Fake Name’s hyperactive stage presence and the band’s seamless transitions between songs. Their shows are a whirlwind of motion and sound, creating an intense and unforgettable experience for their audiences.
Reflecting on the band’s diversity in age, background, and influences, DJ Fake Name notes, “Group members are from four different decades – that’s the scope and range – the band’s sound and concerns reflect this.” This diversity translates into a blend of heavy rock, dynamic rhythms, and soulful lyrics.
In 2022, Abusements faced a significant challenge when a smear campaign orchestrated by local antagonists impacted their personal lives and professional endeavors. “Trouble found Abusements in 2022 when a couple creeps cooked up a smear campaign, all lies, which impacted personal lives and businesses,” recounts DJ Fake Name. “We learnt how few friends we really have.” This ordeal led the band to shift their focus to out-of-state gigs and the production of a new album.
Grievance Beerwater Reprisal is a direct response to these challenges. Recorded in the band’s own underground bunker for zero dollars per hour, the album captures raw, emotional performances. Drummer and producer Dominique Bradley, Sr. spearheaded the engineering and production, providing the band with the freedom to create their most soulful record to date.
Reflecting upon the themes and directions explored, DJ Fake Name states they’ve been elaborated since their first releases. “The B-side’s portraits of Evel Knievel, Howard Hughes and G. Gordon Lindy continue Abusements’ series on the failings and foibles of the famous and powerful. Timeless topics for songwriters; a modern variant on an old folk tradition.”
“It’s the sound of snark giving way to sincerity. Defensiveness dissolving into simple truth; from anger to determination. It’s what authenticity and perseverance sound like,” sums up DJ Fake Name. With Grievance Beerwater Reprisal, Abusements step away from the swirl that wants to destroy them. Relying on their own abilities, they made a career-defining record that sounds fantastic, feels timeless and resonates deeply with listeners.
Abusements “Grievance Beerwater Reprisal” is available now via American Leather Records.