“Closer To; is our biggest sounding record to date,” says Julian Rosen, vocalist and guitarist of Brooklyn-based band Common Sage, who have made themselves right at home in the post-hardcore scene since they first formed in 2018.
Melodic hardcore mixed with hints of Long Island emo, Closer To; released in November on Equal Vision Records, marks their third full-length. At times it feels like it’s straight out of the early 2000s while still having a more modern spin—the kind of record you picture your favorite band listening to … which just might be the case. Touring and/or working with bands like Stay Inside, Hail the Sun, Sparta, Reggie, and the Full Effect and Thursday, Rosen has a special appreciation for any musician who has taken a chance on them.
Steve Pedulla and Geoff Rickly of Thursday recently lent their musical talents to collaborate with Common Sage for a new single titled “Edin.” “I think we’re all grateful that they would even, you know, give us the time of day, or much less want to do a song with a way smaller band, such as ourselves,” says Rosen. The pair also appears in the trippy music video for the single, which sees the musicians take on an alien and cartoonish-like appearance.
“I had the idea after seeing the Christopher Charles Curtis’ art for the cover (of the single) … the black and white illustrations that show a girl with her eyes getting stretched out,” he says, “I wanted to animate that as best as we possibly could.” The idea was brought to life by director Jesse Korman, who was the still photographer for Terrifier 3, or perhaps you know him from fronting the mathcore band The Number Twelve Looks Like You.
“The production since we’ve joined EVR has only gone up,” says Rosen, “It’s a step up in every possible way.” He’s eager for fans to get their hands on the record and give it a listen, hoping that they’ll take something from it with them during these trying times. “If it can be a comfort for somebody, that’s all I ask.”
He also shares his gratitude for friend, photographer and artist manager at Neighborhood Watch, Michael Dubin, who he says helped connect them with Equal Vision Records and Rickly and Pedulla. “It’s great to have somebody like him in our corner … He tries to help you in any possible way he can … just a great person.”
As for 2025 goals, Rosen hopes that he and the rest of Common Sage can tour pretty extensively throughout the coming year, saying he would one day love to play a show in Japan and do a full U.S. tour and U.K. tour.
Fans won’t have to wait too long for more new music either. “We have one secret single left that we have no clue when we’re releasing it,” Rosen teases.
When asked what bands he’s been listening to recently, he laughs before saying, “I’ve been listening to ’50’s and 6’0’s playlists on Spotify relentlessly.” Around this time last year is when his fascination with that period of music really began to flourish, citing musicians and bands like John Coltrane, the Zombies, and the Beach Boys. Going back even further in time, he shares his adoration for Lady Day herself, Billie Holiday.
“I’m getting worried I’m gonna keep going further and further back,“ he laughs. “Give it some time, and I’ll start listening to classical music or something.”
Closer To; is out now and can be purchased where you get your music.
Closer To; is out now and you can order it from Equal Vision Records. Follow Common Sage on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for future updates.
Photo courtesy of Kelsey Ayres
