Sincere Engineer Find “Probable Claws” On New Album

When Sincere Engineer entered the studio to begin recording their fourth full-length, they were already building on a foundation primed for success. Tracking the record entirely at Chicago’s Electrical Audio, the studio of the late Steve Albini and the origin of hundreds of revered independent releases, the band tapped into a space synonymous with unfiltered artistry. The result: Probable Claws, a record that solidifies their punk-fueled catalogue as a formidable quartet, with frontwoman Deanna Belos continuing to mine the deeply introspective terrain of her past work. The question remains: how does this latest chapter measure up? For starters, it leans into a thematic core that feels relatably universal, especially for anyone who has felt the pressure of life’s eternal ticking clock. That sentiment pulses through the album’s lead single, Cooler, which landed on streaming platforms in March. The track stands as a quintessential example of Sincere Engineer’s signature brand of cathartic, angst-fueled punk, refined, yet no less urgent.

While Belos’ audience now stretches to a global scale, her sound remains grounded in a gritty, blue-collar ethos, undeniably shaped by her Chicago, Illinois roots. Make no mistake: Probable Claws is a no-skip listen. Across its eleven tracks, the album is meticulously sequenced to grip from the outset, kicking off with the commanding Twist My Tongue and closing on Dynamite, a finale that lands with emotional weight. A well-placed Bad Religion nod on LOL only deepens the records’ relatability level, bridging generational gaps within the punk community. Of course, every album has its emotional centerpiece, and here, Belos delivers it in Arborvitae Evergreen. All-in-all, Probable Claws finds Belos sitting in some of her strongest writing yet, wielding her sharpest pen, and laying her heart out on the table. Probable Claws is now available through streaming platforms and on CD and vinyl via Hopeless Records.

“I think the overall theme of this record is being uncomfortable with the passing of time and how quick time passes. Not all the songs touch on that, there’s some songs about me moving too fast through life myself. We set out to make a very straight forward pop punk record, before noting that fans can still expect a handful of Sincere Engineer’s characteristically poignant ballads woven throughout. I’m excited for the new chapter of SE. We’ve done so much touring with so many amazing bands that we all look up to. I can’t believe we’re on our fourth record and we’re excited to get on tour and play the new songs live. The recording process was a dream, Electrical Audio is an incredible studio, literally one of the best in the world. We were very excited and fortunate we got to make the record there!” (Deanna Belos)