ArtistDirect News
Harrison Gordon Announces Second Album Bliss for September 4 Release
Illinois emo‑punk outfit Harrison Gordon has unveiled their second full‑length album Bliss, set to drop on September 4 through Hopeless Records, and has already released the album’s lead single, “Not Working! Not Working!”, accompanied by a striking music video. The announcement, posted on the band’s official channels, signals a milestone in a career that has grown from a bedroom project to a touring quartet, and it positions the group for a wider audience as they step onto a national stage. The single’s punchy title and unapologetic visuals capture the restless energy that has become the band’s hallmark, while the album’s release date lines up with a planned summer tour that will take the group across the country. For fans who have followed the band since its 2023 debut, Bliss promises a deeper dive into the themes that have defined their sound—raw honesty, DIY spirit, and a keen eye on contemporary culture.
Formed in Bloomington‑Normal, the band began as front‑man Harrison Gordon’s solo experiment, but by 2024 had expanded to a four‑piece lineup that includes guitarist, bassist, and drummer. Over the past three years, they have moved from basement gigs to headline slots on national tours, sharing stages with acts such as State Champs, Hot Mulligan, and Arm’s Length. Their 2023 debut The Yuppies Are Winning and the 2025 Spring Break EP established them as a rising voice in the Midwest emo‑punk revival, earning a growing online following and a reputation for high‑energy live shows.
Bliss features eleven tracks that weave together themes of imperfection and immediacy, a continuation of the raw, candid storytelling that fans have come to expect. The tracklist—“Weirdo,” “Milwaukee Josh,” “Like Me Less,” “Not Working! Not Working!,” “Pretty,” “Scab,” “Sight Of Blood,” “Middle Name,” “Oh God,” “Buffalo Jim,” and the title track—offers a mix of punchy riffs and introspective melodies. In an interview with the band’s website, Gordon explained that “Not Working! Not Working!” began as a personal reflection on his time in the food‑service industry and has evolved into a broader critique of modern work culture, capitalism, and the pressure to chase a full‑time music career while feeling perpetually behind.
The music video for the single amplifies the song’s commentary on economic anxiety, housing affordability, and the side‑hustle mentality that has become a cultural touchstone. Shot in stark, minimalist style, the video juxtaposes Gordon’s on‑stage performance with everyday scenes of bills, rental notices, and the frantic pace of social media. The track follows the earlier single “Pretty,” released last month, which tackled screen addiction and algorithm‑driven content’s impact on relationships. Together, the two songs map the album’s exploration of mental health, social disconnection, and the realities confronting younger generations in a hyper‑connected world.
Hopeless Records, an independent label based in Van Nuys, California, has a long history of nurturing punk and alternative acts, from Alkaline Trio to The Story So Far. Bliss marks Harrison Gordon’s first full‑length release under the label, a move that signals a strategic partnership designed to expand the band’s reach without sacrificing their DIY ethos. The label’s robust distribution network and experience in the emo‑punk niche will support the album’s rollout across streaming platforms, as well as physical formats—including a limited‑edition vinyl pressing that appeals to collectors and audiophiles alike.
With the September 4 launch, the band aims to sustain the momentum built from their national touring schedule and the label partnership. The album’s focus on vulnerability and raw energy aligns with the current trajectory of the Midwest emo scene, and the band’s growing online presence suggests a receptive audience for the new material. Industry analysts note that the timing—mid‑summer release and an upcoming tour—positions Bliss to capitalize on listeners’ increased streaming activity during the holidays and festival season.
Promotional efforts for Bliss will spotlight the lead single and its video, reinforcing Harrison Gordon’s commitment to addressing contemporary cultural concerns through music. As the album drops on September 4, the band will continue to engage fans through live performances, social media interaction, and targeted streaming campaigns. The release marks a pivotal point in the group’s trajectory, combining a polished label partnership with the raw authenticity that has defined their sound.
Formed in Bloomington‑Normal, the band began as front‑man Harrison Gordon’s solo experiment, but by 2024 had expanded to a four‑piece lineup that includes guitarist, bassist, and drummer. Over the past three years, they have moved from basement gigs to headline slots on national tours, sharing stages with acts such as State Champs, Hot Mulligan, and Arm’s Length. Their 2023 debut The Yuppies Are Winning and the 2025 Spring Break EP established them as a rising voice in the Midwest emo‑punk revival, earning a growing online following and a reputation for high‑energy live shows.
Bliss features eleven tracks that weave together themes of imperfection and immediacy, a continuation of the raw, candid storytelling that fans have come to expect. The tracklist—“Weirdo,” “Milwaukee Josh,” “Like Me Less,” “Not Working! Not Working!,” “Pretty,” “Scab,” “Sight Of Blood,” “Middle Name,” “Oh God,” “Buffalo Jim,” and the title track—offers a mix of punchy riffs and introspective melodies. In an interview with the band’s website, Gordon explained that “Not Working! Not Working!” began as a personal reflection on his time in the food‑service industry and has evolved into a broader critique of modern work culture, capitalism, and the pressure to chase a full‑time music career while feeling perpetually behind.
The music video for the single amplifies the song’s commentary on economic anxiety, housing affordability, and the side‑hustle mentality that has become a cultural touchstone. Shot in stark, minimalist style, the video juxtaposes Gordon’s on‑stage performance with everyday scenes of bills, rental notices, and the frantic pace of social media. The track follows the earlier single “Pretty,” released last month, which tackled screen addiction and algorithm‑driven content’s impact on relationships. Together, the two songs map the album’s exploration of mental health, social disconnection, and the realities confronting younger generations in a hyper‑connected world.
Hopeless Records, an independent label based in Van Nuys, California, has a long history of nurturing punk and alternative acts, from Alkaline Trio to The Story So Far. Bliss marks Harrison Gordon’s first full‑length release under the label, a move that signals a strategic partnership designed to expand the band’s reach without sacrificing their DIY ethos. The label’s robust distribution network and experience in the emo‑punk niche will support the album’s rollout across streaming platforms, as well as physical formats—including a limited‑edition vinyl pressing that appeals to collectors and audiophiles alike.
With the September 4 launch, the band aims to sustain the momentum built from their national touring schedule and the label partnership. The album’s focus on vulnerability and raw energy aligns with the current trajectory of the Midwest emo scene, and the band’s growing online presence suggests a receptive audience for the new material. Industry analysts note that the timing—mid‑summer release and an upcoming tour—positions Bliss to capitalize on listeners’ increased streaming activity during the holidays and festival season.
Promotional efforts for Bliss will spotlight the lead single and its video, reinforcing Harrison Gordon’s commitment to addressing contemporary cultural concerns through music. As the album drops on September 4, the band will continue to engage fans through live performances, social media interaction, and targeted streaming campaigns. The release marks a pivotal point in the group’s trajectory, combining a polished label partnership with the raw authenticity that has defined their sound.