Canadian pop punk band Chief State have officially released their second album Keep Your Friends Closer via Mutant League Records, marking a new chapter for the Vancouver outfit.
The release follows years of steady growth for the band, with consistent touring across North America helping them build a strong and loyal audience. Chief State have been carving out their place in modern pop punk, and this album sees them take that next step while tapping into the kind of sound that defined the 2010s era of the genre.
Keep Your Friends Closer was produced, engineered, and mixed by Tim Creviston, known for his work with Spiritbox and Youth Fountain, while Stu McKillop handled mastering at Rain City Recorders. The record reflects a more collaborative process for the band, shaped during a period of change, while staying rooted in the urgency and honesty they’ve become known for.
The album also features guest vocals from Stu Ross of Comeback Kid on “Paranoia”, along with additional bridge melodies on “No Brakes” from Sarah Christine.
To mark the release, Chief State will play an album show in their hometown of Vancouver on May 9th at The Pearl, with support from Dead Churches and Darryl Saves Lives.
