If you found yourself catching emo or math rock shows in the Chicago area back in the 1990’s, there’s a high chance the bands involved were part of Divot Records history. The label released several high-water mark records for local post-hardcore and no-wave, from Guttersnipe‘s Dozen Large Organizations Which Control One’s Fate to Braid‘s Frankie Welfare Boy Age 5.
They also helped put out Sweep the Leg Johnny‘s 4.9.21.20, which sort of leads us into what we’re presenting today with the fantastic news of Tekulvi finally getting a repress via Expert Work Records.
Courtesy of Discipline PR:
The inspiration for this reissue was sparked by a bittersweet reunion. Following the passing of Steve Sostak (Sweep the Leg Johnny), who played saxophone on the track “Distance and Focus”, Almodovar and Sharp reconnected: “In 2023 Greg and I got together to hang out, reminisce, and jam for fun. When Greg and I moved to Chicago, Steve was influential to us, and we became fast friends. Steve was supportive of Tekulvi, and we were huge Sweep the Leg fans. Those jam sessions in 2023 led to the writing of several new songs.”
In fact, you can check one out right now below:
Growing up in New York City, Chris Almodovar was captivated by the story of Frank Serpico, the NYPD officer who risked his life to expose police corruption. “It almost got him killed,” Chris says. “He feared for his life and eventually fled to Europe before returning to the States. Sometimes you fail even when you try your hardest to do the right thing—but sometimes, in the long run, it all works out. That was the inspiration.”
That sense of struggle and resilience shaped ‘Serpico,’ the first single from Tekulvi’s upcoming release. “We chose it as the first single because it’s a great kickoff point for this version of the band,” Chris explains. “It’s essentially controlled chaos. Lyrically, the song is about accepting that no matter how hard you try, things can still fail—and learning to live with how the chips may fall.”
Officially due out in May 2025, you can pre-order it here. Just do it fast, because they probably won’t last too long!
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