Real Sickies Release, ‘Should Have Seen It Coming‘ from album, ‘Under a Plastic Bag’

Real Sickies, are charging full-speed ahead into 2025 with their highly anticipated fifth full-length album, Under a Plastic Bag, set to drop on March 14, 2025, via Stomp Records. Already hailed as one of Canada’s most electrifying punk acts, the band continues to evolve their sound while staying true to their raw, infectious energy—so much so that even Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day calls them his favorite Canadian punk band.

The album’s second advance single, “Should Have Seen It Coming,” is out now, offering fans a taste of the sonic experimentation that defines this new era of Real Sickies. While still packed with their signature anthemic hooks, the track layers in fresh textures that push the boundaries of their established pop-punk sound. Vocalist Ben Disaster describes the song’s chaotic theme: “It’s about patterns, not being able to accept consequences, or finally coming to. There’s not much more meaning to it other than just smashing one’s own teeth with a microphone.”

The track’s energy is matched by its DIY-style music video, directed by Tyler Hall and filmed in an unheated garage during a –20°C Edmonton winter. The stripped-down visuals embrace a raw, frenetic aesthetic, amplifying the track’s intensity. “When I was asked what the video was about, I said, ‘I don’t know, it’s punk at least,’” Disaster reflects. Edited by Ty Alexander H., with special effects and visuals from Molly McKeen, the video serves as a gritty companion to the song’s explosive sound.

Produced by Josh Wells (Autogramm, Destroyer), Under a Plastic Bag finds Real Sickies stretching their sonic palette beyond traditional pop-punk. With nods to power pop, new wave, and indie rock, the album fuses high-energy punk riffs with a sharper melodic sophistication. Wells, known for his precise yet authentic production style, describes the sound of “Should Have Seen It Coming” as, “Short sharp blasts of staccato noise discovered in Devo’s warehouse of unused sounds. Yelling regrets into a giant chasm. The bridge features a short detour into synth pop, blinding guitar strobe, and evil genius rant in the background.”

Fans can expect Under a Plastic Bag to be a genre-blending thrill ride, incorporating influences from The Ramones, Gob, The Copyrights, Devo, and The Sound. Songs like “Triage,” “Wild Imagination,” and “Should Have Seen It Coming” showcase Real Sickies at their most adventurous, proving that their relentless drive to evolve is just as strong as their dedication to crafting unforgettable punk anthems.

The album, written between whirlwind tours, chaotic live performances, and late-night demo sessions, is set to be a defining moment for the band. With digital releases and limited-edition solid white and cloudy skies blue vinyl LPs, Under a Plastic Bag is poised to make waves across both punk venues and record collections worldwide.

For fans of high-octane punk with a sharp melodic edge, Real Sickies’ latest offering is a must-listen—so mark your calendars for March 14 and get ready to experience their most ambitious record yet!