Born in punk shows and dive bars to three driventeenagers in 2012, Muncie Girls embodies the classic punk rock story in a modern context. Fueled by discontent and anxiety, the Exeter trio eloquently addresses modern living as a self-aware young adult. The result is an ambitious and poignant rebellion against social norms that touches on everything from politics to interpersonal relationships. After an impressively prolific start, releasing EPs and splits every year since their formation, Muncie Girls is finally gearing up for the release of their first full-length, From Caplan to Besize, via Specialist Subject Records (UK), Uncle M Music (EU) and Animal Style (US) in 2016. The album’s title, a reference to Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar, perfectly compliments the themes found on the album – coping, healing, and shedding restraints. Musically, the album is a dynamic and emotional exploration of punk and indie rock. From Caplan To Besize has a bouncy catchiness and is sure to be a hit with fans of Hop Along, Lemuria, Latterman, and RVIVR, but one of the defining characteristics of Muncie Girls is their ability to explore outside their immediate influences. There are moments in “Learn in School” and “Nervous” that resonate with elements of Hot Rod Circuit and Hey Mercedes. The album’s lead single, “Gone With the Wind,” with its up-tempo playfulness, nodsto Superchunk. Ultimately, what sets Muncie Girls apart is bassist and lead vocalist Lande Hekt’s unique perspective and its impact on her understated lyricism. Hekt’s dry, unembellished writing style is, in many ways, reminiscent of classic American literature – a trait exceptionally unusual for a punk rock band from Exeter.

FROM CAPLAN TO BELSIZE is slated for a March 2016 release.

Lande Hekt. Dean McMullen. Luke Ellis.