Photo by Casey Pinckard

Santa Barbara, CA's Versus The World have released their Cameron Webb-produced album “The Bastards Live Forever” via SBÄM Records. A post-punk unit from Santa Barbara, California featuring members of Lagwagon and Good Riddance, Versus the World issued its eponymous debut album in 2005 on Kung Fu Records. Drawing from their dense pedigree the band blends elements of pop-punk, melodic post-hardcore and troubadour-style vocals by founding frontman Donald Spence.

You can stream the album online here.

Of the album, singer Donald Spence says, "I can’t tell you how much work went into this collection of songs. I’d always been taught that if what you were working on wasn’t (what you thought) was your best... start over. Never put anything into the world that you were not absolutely sure of."

"The Bastards Live Forever" consists of 11 songs crafted to perfection. VTW's unique style of melodic post-punk elevates every member's skill from their other projects including Chris Flippin of Lagwagon. Obviously, Versus The World is not all about musical craft but you can hear a passion and an urge to scream out deeply rooted feelings in every syllable throughout the record.

Versus the World has toured extensively worldwide on subsequent releases Drink.Sing.Live.Love (2012) and Homesick/Roadsick (2015) in support of bands such as No Use for a Name, The Ataris, Lagwagon and MxPx. In 2021 the band teamed up with producer Cameron Webb (Motörhead, Megadeth) to make 'The Bastards Live Forever' which is due out in May 2023 on SBÄM Records.

West Coast Shows:

June 16 - Long Beach @ Supply and Demand w/ Mercy Music and Love Equals Death

June 17 - Los Angeles @ Permanent Records Roadhouse w/ Mercy Music and Love Equals Death

July 7 - Portland @ Dante’s w/ Diesel Boy

July 8 - Seattle @ El Corazon w/ Diesel Boy

Versus The World will be on tour in Europe this summer.

28.07. Berlin @ Wild At Heart

29.07. Hohenstaufen @ Vert Rock w/ Urethane

30.07. tbc

01.08. Erfurt @ Tiko w/ Urethane

02.08. Brussels @ Le Lac

03.08. Wermelskirchen @ AJZ w/ Authority Zero & Cigar

04.08. tbc

05.08. Duffel, B @ Brakrock

06.08. Düsseldorf, D @ Pitcher w/ Diesel Boy

08.08. Stuttgart @ Im Wizemann w/ Pennywise

09.08. Vienna, AUT @ Rhiz w/ Diesel Boy

10.08. Tolmin, SLO @ Punkrock Holiday

11.08. Bologna, ITA @ Freakout Club

12.08. Rimini, ITA @ Bayfest

 

COLUMNS

Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Fairweather Friends" by Exit Eleven

After a long hiatus, the Central Jersey band Exit Eleven are back with a new single that they will celebrate the release of on May 8 at Asbury Park's fabled Stone Pony.

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Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 05/07/2026

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This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from May 5-11, 2026

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BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 5/4/26

 

MORE NEWS

Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.

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Going Acoustic at Quig's to Mark 4 Years with Featured Sets from Emily Drinker and Gina LC on June 22nd

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A Look At Spring and Summer Shows at White Eagle Hall

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Outpost in the Burbs presents The Lone Bellow on Saturday

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Cumberland Players Concert Series presents Steven Lemon and Friends on Saturday

 

UPCOMING SHOWS

State Theatre New Jersey presents The Sound Studio Series 2026

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey proudly presents The Sound Studio Series, an immersive musical experience that places concertgoers at the very heart of the performance. Held in STNJ's intimate Studio space, limited to just 80 attendees, The Sound Studio Series features a dynamic mix of both classical and rock performances. Each concert concludes with an exclusive post-show meet-and-greet with the artists, offering fans a rare opportunity to connect directly with the performers. Tickets for the series are $20-$30.

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Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band's Land Of Hope And Dreams American Tour Announced For Spring 2026

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Wellmont Theater presents The Wallflowers on May 9th

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The Newton Theatre presents Lita Ford on May 9th

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