The first taste of Regulator Watts’ first new music in 30 years is a fiery display of a band reunited and reenergized. Capturing its unique sonic alchemy, “It’s Gonna Happen” is fueled by the furious breakneck riffs the DC power trio made its name on. It’s as if the band rose from its three decade slumber like a seen-it-all warrior summoned for battle once more. Yet Watts delivers like it never went away as frontman Alex Dunham rips into late-stage capitalism like a punk call-to-action.
After the Dischord Records band Hoover broke up in 1994, guitarist and singer Alex Dunham teamed up with Cret Wilson (bass, vocals) and Areif Sless-Kitain (drums) to widen his sonic vision. Together, they quickly developed a powerful sound rooted in punk rock and post-hardcore while indulging more experimental impulses.
Dunham’s unconventional tunings defined the power trio’s unique sonic footprint with a plangent, reverb-drenched tone by turns menacing, mercurial and haunting. They weaved together dubby production, odd time signatures, and ambient textures into a dark, intoxicating blend.
The band was relatively prolific during their short run, releasing several records on Slowdime Records with support from Dischord, including their debut 12″, The Mercury EP and full-length LP, The Aesthetics of No-Drag.
Solid Brass is excited to announce the return of Regulator Watts with kWh (kilowatt-hours), the band’s first new music in nearly 30 years. Produced by Kurt Ballou (Converge), this 5-song EP is a masterclass in post-hardcore dynamics, contrasting crushing grooves with moody, mysterious atmospherics and the haunting tone that remains guitarist Alex Dunham’s trademark. This is essential listening for fans of the DC scene and those who find catharsis in the cycles of tension and release perfected by this peerless power trio.
kWh will be available digitally as well as on limited edition transparent sea blue vinyl on 8/14/26 on Solid Brass Records.
