Nashville-based alternative punk rock outfit Winona Fighter is here to shake up the scene with their highly anticipated debut album, My Apologies To The Chef. Set to be released via Rise Records on February 14, 2025, the album delivers a raw, unapologetic blend of classic punk ethos and modern alternative energy with a little twist of pop punk. With fourteen explosive tracks, frontwoman Coco Kinnon and her bandmates, guitarist Dan Fuson and drummer and producer Austin Luther, craft an album that is equal parts cathartic, satirical, and socially aware.
From the outset, My Apologies To The Chef pulls no punches. The album kicks off with "JUMPERCABLES," a fast-paced adrenaline rush that sets the tone for what's to come. "You Look Like A Drunk Phoebe Bridgers" follows with biting wit, offering the kind of tongue-in-cheek lyricism that has become a signature of Winona Fighter’s songwriting.
Lead single "ATTENTION" stands as the album’s most politically charged anthem, tackling issues ranging from substance abuse crises to healthcare inequities and homelessness. Kinnon’s vocals rage against societal indifference, making it one of the most compelling tracks on the record. Meanwhile, "HAMMS IN A GLASS" captures the band's spontaneous spirit with chaotic energy, reinforced by a one-take music video that mirrors the band's DIY ethos.
The album isn’t all fire and fury, though. Tracks like "Swear To God That I'm (FINE)" take a more introspective turn, addressing the emotional rollercoaster of pursuing a music career. Kinnon’s candid lyrics expose the pressures of success, self-worth, and gratitude, making for one of the album’s most heartfelt moments. "R U FAMOUS" offers a more sardonic take on the music industry, calling out opportunists who latch onto rising artists for clout.
Sonically, the album straddles the line between punk’s raw aggression and alternative rock’s melodic sensibilities. Tracks like "TALK" and "Swimmer’s Ear" lean into anthemic choruses, while "I Think You Should Leave" channels the reckless abandon of early 2000s garage punk. The production, handled primarily by the band themselves, ensures that each track retains a sense of authenticity—there’s no over-polished sheen here, just unfiltered passion.
With My Apologies To The Chef, Winona Fighter cements themselves as one of the most exciting new voices in punk. Their ability to blend humour, anger, and vulnerability into a cohesive body of work speaks to their undeniable talent and dedication. Whether you’re a longtime punk fan or just looking for an album that’s unafraid to challenge the status quo, this record is a must-listen. It’s an invitation to scream, mosh, and, most importantly, give a damn.
Check out more from Winona Fighter: https://winonafighter.com/