“Particle Mace”

Aye Nako, the queer and multiracial punk quartet from Brooklyn, have never shied away from politics. In their new track “Particle Mace,” they continue a dialogue about equality, but place similar emphasis on support and inclusivity. Singer-guitarist Jade Payne checks in with a friend, offering him company, even though they're discussing chemtrails and a government that refuses to see queer, trans, and black residents as equals (“The chemtrails leak the conspiracy/But you'll keep playing along ‘til the saddle tips the sleeve”). Knotted, dissonant guitars accentuate the force of Payne’s unapologetic belting. It's hard to ignore the tonal similarities to their tourmates Speedy Ortiz, but Aye Nako differentiate their gnarled noise by mixing unexpected sincerity into otherwise deadpan delivery. “Particle Mace” is a pop-punk sing along, perfect when you have a pitchfork in one hand and a nervous friend's palm in the other. No matter how invisible you may feel in the battle, Aye Nako will always want to help.