Ben Quad are back and they’ve just dropped a track that’ll hit you right in the chest. Their new single, Painless, is officially out now with a slick performance-driven video to match—and it’s the kind of song that makes you stop what you’re doing and feel it all.
The Oklahoma post-emo crew have always worn their hearts on their sleeves, but Painless feels especially raw. Written about grief, guilt, and the helplessness of watching someone slip away, it’s the kind of song that stings because it’s so real. “Painless is about the struggle of seeing someone you love show depressive warning signs and feeling helpless,” the band explained. “You just wish you could have done more to let them know how much they meant.” That honesty is matched by the band’s signature mix of emo nostalgia and Midwest shreddiness.
Edgar Viveros summed it up best: “The chorus is a big nod to bands like Taking Back Sunday, with Sam and Henry trading lines in that classic co-vocalist style. And then for the outro, we leaned into the screamo heaviness we showed on Ephemera.” It’s a song that manages to be catchy, heartfelt, and gut-punch heavy all at once.
If you’ve been following Ben Quad since their debut album I’m Scared That’s All There Is, you’ll already know they’re not afraid to wear doubt, anxiety, and insecurity like a badge. But this time around, their upcoming album Wisher—out November 14 via Pure Noise Records—looks forward with something new: hope. Written and recorded in New Jersey with producer Jon Markson (The Story So Far, Drug Church), the record feels like the band’s next big step. Swapping Oklahoma for a farm studio surrounded by barnyard animals and endless quiet, they found the space to experiment and push themselves in ways they hadn’t before.
And while Painless hits heavy, it’s only one side of what’s coming. Wisher promises everything from Midwest emo guitar wizardry to full-on pop sensibility, with features from Zayna Youssef, Sam Canty, and Nathan Hardy adding extra dimension. Tracks like “It’s Just a Title” and “Very Big in Sheboygan” show the band still know how to have fun while digging into the deeper stuff.
For now though, Painless is the track you’ll want on repeat—whether you’re reliving the glory days of 2000s emo or just discovering a new favorite band. Ben Quad are gearing up for a US run with KOYO starting October 23 and will bring their new songs overseas with Arm’s Length in early 2026.
Wisher is available to pre-order now, but Painless makes one thing clear: this record is going to be special.
