Album Review: Sincere Engineer - ‘Probable Claws’

Chicago-based indie punk band are back with their fourth studio release Probable Claws, this Friday on Hopeless Records! Led by singer/songwriter/guitarist Deanna Belos, the band continue their tradition of pop-punk excellence on this release. Belos and Co. will embark on a tour in support of Probable Claws next month, which is highlighted by an appearance of Riot Fest in their hometown of Chicago! 

Probable Claws is highlighted by singles "Twist My Tongue", "Cooler", and "Fast Forward, Rewind". The record comes right out the gate by kicking in the door with driving, distortion-laced guitars, and Belos' signature vocals that range from more melodic to heavy hitting throughout the record. 

Clocking in at 11 tracks, this one is truly a can't miss for fans of indie or punk. We especially loved "DNA", which is situated right in the middle of the record. The angst-tinged vocals of Belos pair perfectly with driving guitar and bone shattering percussion. We especially loved the lead guitars on this one. Belos and Co. show off their range on Probable Claws, with pop-punk anthems and more subdued tracks. "LOL" slows things down a bit with a more laid back melody, but when put with Belos' dynamic vocals, it's must-hear stuff. 

Probable Claws represents the band's first release since 2023 when they dropped Cheap Grills. The band recorded the record in their hometown of Chicago, at Electrical Audio, the studio that was started by the late Steve Albini. Probable Claws features an infectious pop-punk sound that demands the listener move. We're not dancers by any stretch, but this one had us vibing for sure. 

Give this one a listen as soon as you can. It features no skips and continues Sincere Engineer's evolution on the punk scene as a band that's always reaching new heights. 

Rating - 4.5/5