Brigata Vendetta - This Is How Democracy Dies

Brigata Vendetta are a new force to be reckoned with in the famed Bay Area punk rock scene, but the three members are anything but newcomers! Frontman & bassist Darrel Wojick and guitarist Mike Caputo – renowned for their work in street punk stalwarts Harrington Saints – are joined by Bum City Saints drummer Brian Zobel. Together, these three “saints” are crafting a brand new sound informed by classic hardcore punk that stands poised to surprise and excite longtime fans and new ones alike!

This is How Democracy Dies is the title of Brigata Vendetta‘s debut LP on Pirates Press Records. The album’s 13 songs were written over the course of about 3 months and recorded in workmanlike marathon sessions at Oakland’s Sharkbite Studios in a single weekend, with frequent Harrington Saints collaborator Scott McChane manning the board.

What began as a side project for Darrel and Mike became their prime focus after Harrington Saints went their separate ways, and despite their familiarity playing together, the new band brings with it fresh sounds and fresh perspectives. Darrel characterizes the sound as more influenced by the punk and hardcore he grew up on in the 80s than the Oi! that was Harrington Saints‘ signature, or anything played by his notable rock & roll project Suede Razors.

Stated plainly, this is a record that is sure to please longtime fans who are ready for something new, but it will likely attract an entirely new audience of hardcore faithful! Darrel says that following this 80s hardcore influence has injected new energy and a sense of fun into Brigata Vendetta.

Lyrically, this record is more personal and introspective than any the members have made before, grappling with issues of grief, loss, personal growth, and relationships, alongside the inevitable frustrations with the modern world. Darrel cites “Never Let You Die” as a song that comes from a very personal place.

The world at large got their first listen to Brigata Vendetta via “Embrace,” which appeared on the latest volume of Pirates Press Records‘ compilation For Family and Flag. Both the band and the label are thrilled to present This is How Democracy Dies in its entirety, showing fans worldwide what’s new from these Bay Area veterans!