Japanese punk rockers Hello-STANDARD introduced that their new single “I’M A RAT,” launched digitally April 19, will drop as a 7-inch image disc by way of their U.S. label, Fats Wreck Chords.
Initially slated for digital launch solely, the bodily model is a tribute to late drummer Akira Tsuneoka, who died Feb. 14 on the age of 51. All proceeds from the disc might be donated to Tsuneoka’s household.
Fats Mike of NOFX, proprietor of Fats Wreck Chords, first urged the brand new single be launched on vinyl to the surviving band members in response to the information of the drummer’s demise. “This 7 inch means extra to me than anybody can know,” he says. “When NOFX first performed with Hello-STANDARD in 1995 in Tokyo, we grew to become lifelong associates. I flew them out to SF in 95 and produced their first album. Then NOFX took them on tour for the subsequent 12 months. We have been greater than shut. Hello-STANDARD are a band that I’m actually pleased with. What individuals don’t know is that at one level they have been the fucking largest promoting band on Fats Wreck Chords. They’re the one FAT band that may promote out STADIUMS!”
“This 7 inch isn’t about that,” the NOFX frontman continues. “This 7 inch is in regards to the final track Hello-STANDARD ever recorded with their drummer Akira Tsuneoka. What a candy gifted man. He all the time had a smile on his face, and he was all the time the primary to be within the studio. He was an incredible drummer and he might be missed by all who knew him. I hope you’re hangin out with Bohnam, Barnes, and Moon up in drummer hell! Will always remember you Tsune…. RIP.“
In response to the label founder, born Michael Burkett, the image disc might be “specifically designed with the duvet artwork of ‘I’m a Rat’ on the A facet and a photograph of Akira Tsuneoka printed on the B facet.“
