Ben Quad Share New Single Painless Ahead of Upcoming Album Wisher

Photo Credit: Kam Coker

Ben Quad, the post-emo group from Oklahoma City, have unveiled their new single Painless, accompanied by a performance-driven music video. The track marks the second preview from their forthcoming sophomore album, Wisher, which is set to be released November 14 via Pure Noise Records.

Painless examines the emotional elements of grief combined with the guilt of losing a close friend, grappling with the helplessness that comes from witnessing someone’s struggle with mental illness. The song channels the difficult process wishing you had done more to show that person how much they meant to you.

“We knew early on in the demoing process that we wanted the vocals to pull from 2000’s emo. The chorus is a big nod to bands such as Taking Back Sunday and features Sam and Henry trading off lines in the classic emo co-vocalist style. For the outro, we wanted to bring back the post-hardcore/screamo heaviness that we showcased on our previous release, ‘Ephemera’. ‘Painless’ not only has the pop-sensibility that we’re introducing with the new record, but also the shreddy, midwest emo guitar lines we’ve come to be known for and the raw, aggressive sound we displayed on our last EP.” Guitarist Edgar Viveros explains. 

Painless follows the album’s debut single, It’s Just a Title, which confronts themes of insecurity and self-doubt. In contrast, the Painless video takes a more introspective turn. Directed by Alex Scalzo, it forgoes a narrative approach in favor of pure performance, using variations in framerate, motion, and lighting to highlight the song’s darker emotional tone. Coming off as a more introspective side of the band. 

The record Wisher is being delivered as the follow-up to Ben Quad’s 2022 debut, I’m Scared That’s All There Is. With their first record, the band explored the anxiety and uncertainty of youth, whilst Wisher finds them in a more reflective and forward-looking mindset. The title itself represents the act of hoping and wishing for something better ahead. The album embodies growth and optimism, presenting a natural evolution in both sound and perspective.

To craft the album, Ben Quad left their Oklahoma roots for New Jersey, to team up with producer Jon Markson who has worked with the likes of The Story So Far and Drug Church. Recording at Markson’s farm studio, the band embraced their first full studio experience, finding creative focus in the quiet, rural setting. The result is an album that balances precision and emotional authenticity, showcasing some of Ben Quad’s most confident and adventurous songwriting.

Reflecting on the record as a whole, Viveros adds: “Overall, this record is the most confident we’ve ever been as songwriters. There are moments where we venture into experimental and folky territory, but a good amount of the album is also us having fun and leaning into full pop-sensibility.” 

Wisher is available now for physical pre-order, View vinyl and bundle options at this link. Fans who pre-order are invited to attend their upcoming in-store performance and signing at Seasick Records in Birmingham, AL. Ben Quad will also join labelmates KOYO on a U.S. tour beginning October 23 in Toronto, ON, and running through November 23 in New York City. Following the U.S. run, they’ll head overseas for a UK/EU tour supporting Arm’s Length.