Pretty Rude share existential indie anthem ‘Call Me, Ishmael’ ahead of debut album

Pretty Rude are gearing up for the release of their debut album ‘Ripe’, out May 16 via SideOneDummy Records, and they’ve shared a standout cut from the project: the restless and reflective ‘Call Me, Ishmael’.

Rooted in fuzzy guitars and lo-fi charm, the track captures the emotional tug-of-war between creative ambition and the harsh realities of survival. “It’s about that creeping dread every time you start a new job,” says frontman James Palko. “The idea of giving up music for stability is tempting, but it feels like a prison sentence in its own right.”

Channelling the guitar tones of Weezer’s ‘In the Garage’ with a nod to The Rentals, ‘Call Me, Ishmael’ pairs crunchy hooks with lyrical vulnerability. The closing ritardando adds an unexpected twist—slowing down into a weighty final thought that lingers.