Union Jack Announces New Album '“Acid Serenades” and Shares Single ‘Godspeed’
Union Jack has been a steadfast presence in the underground music scene since 1997, distilling rock & roll, punk, and ska influences into their distinct, recognizable sound. Their music is a mix of catchy melodies and dissonance, enhanced by the interplay of two vocalists and heavy distortion.
Their upcoming album Acid Serenades, set for release in spring 2025, has been in development since 2019 and was recorded, mixed, and mastered in May 2024 by Sébastien Langle (One Burning Match, Banane Metalik, Nine Eleven). It features nine tracks spanning 43 minutes of abrasive yet sophisticated punk rock, defined by the vocal battle of the two singers, intense instrumentals, and lyrics that leave little room for respite.
Far from formulaic, Acid Serenades incorporates rich arrangements and daring collaborations, including keyboards, piano, strings, gospel choirs (Social Game), scratches (Idols), female vocals (Gold & Diamonds, Social Game), and hip-hop influences (Distillorama). The album alternates between social themes such as toxic masculinity, economic interests in perpetuating conflict, mainstream influence, human selfishness, and systemic injustices, alongside introspective explorations of depression, rupture, excess, failure, and dystopia.
Union Jack has already given fans a taste of what’s to come with the release of the single Godspeed, offering a glimpse into the album’s raw intensity and genre-blending approach.
Discography and Latest Release
With 27 years in the industry, Union Jack boasts a discography of nine albums and EPs, released in collaboration with labels such as Beer Records, Guerilla Asso, No Time Records, Burdigala, and Riot Ska Records. Their releases are available in vinyl, CD, cassette, and digital formats.
Their latest release, the 2022 EP Classic Noise, is a furious tribute to their influences, featuring covers of Choking Victim, Misfits, Turbonegro, Nena, Fugazi, and Joy Division. Armed with this collection, the band continues to spread their message with passion, anger, and conviction, touring regularly across Europe and Canada.
Band Members
Tom Marchal – Guitar, vocals
Ben Chabanel – Bass, vocals
Antoine Sirven – Drums, samples, backing vocals
Notable Performances
Union Jack has played renowned venues across Europe and North America, including:
France: Tanneries (Dijon), Cirque Électrique (Paris), Supersonic (Paris), La Salle Gueule (Marseille), Raymond Bar (Clermont-Ferrand), Void (Bordeaux), Le Molotov (Marseille), La Maroquinerie (Paris)
Belgium: Magasin 4 (Brussels)
Germany: Sonic Ballroom (Cologne), Wild at Heart (Berlin), Archiv (Potsdam), Köpi (Berlin)
Spain: Trashcan (Madrid)
Canada: Katacombes (Montreal), Bovine Sex Club (Toronto), Foufounes Électriques (Montreal), TRH-Bar (Montreal)
UK: The Birds Nest (London)
Switzerland: NED (Montreux)
Shared Stages With
Union Jack has performed alongside punk and alternative icons such as The Damned, DOA, UK Subs, Leftöver Crack, Swingin’ Utters, Subhumans, The Aggrolites, The Movement, and Inner Terrestrials.
