Legendary independent New York-based rock label Equal Vision Records and Common Sage are excited to present “Drown,” the latest single from the emerging Brooklyn, NY-based post-hardcore band. "’Drown’ is about feeling crushed by a burden,” frontman Julian Rosen explains. “Coming to terms with something you may not have wanted to and resulting in a tipping point that makes you finally scream out for ‘help’.” Stream “Drown” on YouTube HERE.
Recently named one of “25 of the most exciting rising artists to watch in 2025” by Alternative Press, Common Sage released its latest full-length album, Closer To;, in November 2024, a stirring and emotional 11-song showcase that was recorded and produced by Brett Romnes (Anxious, Oso Oso, Hot Mulligan, The Movielife) at The Barber Shop Studios in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. In support of the album, the band will be hitting the road next month supporting Stolas in select markets on the U.S. west and east coast. Kicking off on Saturday, March 15 in Sacramento, CA, the tour will take in 11 evenings and culminate in an appearance at Underground Arts in Philadelphia, PA on Sunday, March 30. Tickets for all shows are on sale now, and a full listing of dates can be found below.
Whether it’s acknowledged or not, starting a “post-hardcore” band in this era is not a decision to be taken lightly. The genre, rife with copycats, naysayers, and gatekeepers, can be one of the most critical of its kind. This is why, upon first listen to Common Sage, one should keep an open mind. The Brooklyn, NY based quartet brings to the table not only a serious deference for their groundwork laying predecessors, but they offer something new to the scene altogether—which is much easier said than done.
Common Sage’s sound feels like a modern take on the melodic side of post hardcore with a strong influence from the legendary Long Island emo scene. When these dualistic stylings are partnered with a dissonant, cacophonous riff-storm, they sound something like Quicksand and Title Fight dancing a delicate ballet. This is no doubt a very calculated and deliberate musical high wire act, and it’s not something that can be accomplished by a band that has not done their due diligence.
Herein lies the secret to Common Sage; it’s less of what they choose to put on the canvas as artists, but more of what they choose to hold back that shows the true nature of the band. While something such as a simple three chord breakdown could have served them greatly in the short term—the band opts for much more artful choices, making veteran level structural decisions that you would expect from innovative songsmiths like Modest Mouse or mewithoutYou. It’s easy to see why industry pillars like Geoff Rickly and Steve Pedulla of the band Thursday or Jason Gleason of Further Seems Forever were quick to lend their talents and to the band's new music.
This is why it is so fitting that Sage, a medicinal herb, when burned is used to cleanse the air of all its impurities. One can only hope that Common Sage can accomplish something similar within their genre, clearing out the staid tropes of the past and making way for something new to appear out of thin air.
Common Sage will be making the following appearances next month supporting Stolas. Dates below.
MARCH
15 — Sacramento, CA — Goldfield Trading Post *
16 — West Hollywood, CA — Troubadour *
18 — Tucson, AZ — The Rock *
20 — San Antonio, TX — The Rock Box *
21 — Dallas, TX — RBC *
22 — Houston, TX — Last Concert Cafe *
24 — Atlanta, GA — The Masquerade *
26 — Washington, DC — Pearl Street Warehouse *
28 — Worcester, MA — Palladium *
29 — Brooklyn, NY — The Brooklyn Monarch *
30 — Philadelphia, PA — Underground Arts *