JER Drops ‘Id Like to Be Better’ Ahead of ‘Death of the Heart’

The ever-evolving force in modern ska-punk, JER, is back with a track that blends groove, grit, and gut-punch lyricism. Their brand-new single, “I’d Like to Be Better,” is the third preview from the hotly anticipated upcoming album Death of the Heart via Bad Time Records— and it’s a potent reminder that ska isn’t just about getting you moving, it’s about getting you thinking.

Built on a rich bed of brass and rhythm, “I’d Like to Be Better” delivers a sound that’s as danceable as it is introspective. JER pairs vibrant, horn-laced arrangements with raw, unflinching self-reflection, crafting a song that feels both urgent and timeless.

In a statement shared on social media, JER explained the track’s core message:

“It’s easy to talk about the injustices and violence of the system, but it’s hard to admit that we are all products of these systems. To actively recognize and work to be better than the way our society raised us to be, that is one of the most revolutionary things in the world. Part of k!lling the cop in your head is to let go of a punitive mindset, even to yourself. Allow yourself the space to grow and be better. Let’s take a spin on compassion before alienation 🙂‍↕️”

This fusion of personal accountability and social commentary has become one of JER’s signatures — weaving big ideas into even bigger hooks. It’s the kind of song that sticks with you, not just in melody, but in message.

Death of the Heart, due out later this year, promises to push JER’s songwriting and sound into bold new territory. Early singles have hinted at a record that’s part rallying cry, part self-exploration, and all heart. With “I’d Like to Be Better,” JER has offered perhaps the album’s most intimate — and universal — moment yet.

In an era where quick takes often drown out nuance, JER invites listeners to sit with complexity, to own their flaws, and to believe in the possibility of growth. All while skanking along to one of the tightest horn sections you’ll hear this year.

If the rest of Death of the Heart carries this mix of infectious energy and fearless honesty, fans — and the ska scene at large — are in for something truly special.