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Troubles' debut "Red Alert" is a breathless blast of garage punk

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 04/24/2026

Troubles crash onto the scene with Red Alert, a debut that doesn't waste a second. The album is a feral mix of grit, hooks and raw, emotionally charged vocals that plants the band firmly on the garage punk map.

Out now, the album is a relentless sprint. Most tracks clock in under two minutes, tearing past before you've caught your breath. The band only lets up on the final track — the record's sole moment to stretch beyond the three-minute mark.

Already tipped as Radio Helsinki's Musamusa Album of the Month ahead of release, Red Alert has also picked up airplay across Europe and the US with singles "Gimme Danger" and "Ghouls".

Lyrically, the record cuts through the usual love-and-heartbreak tropes and digs into darker territory — life, death and everything in between — with a sharp, unapologetic punk edge.

Lyrically, the album moves through timeless themes like love, heartbreak, life and death — while its sharp sense of social commentary points to the band's strong punk roots.




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"'Eve' is a pretty clear feminist anthem, while 'Promises' deals with the sexual harassment and violence women face," says vocalist-guitarist Ida-Lotta.

Recorded with producer Ville Valavuo, who also handled mixing and mastering, Red Alert captures the band at their most immediate and unfiltered. The DIY ethos runs deep, with the band also creating their own artwork.

"We sound exactly like ourselves on this record. It was great to hear that even the extra ideas we came up with in the rehearsal space, like piano parts, worked perfectly. Working with Ville was easy, he just got what we were after," says bassist Laura.

Formed in 2023, Troubles are doing things their own way. The band have openly rejected Spotify, citing its monopoly and investment practices, making Red Alert available everywhere else instead.

"We know we could reach more listeners there, but sticking to our values matters more. We want to be part of a change for the better," Ida-Lotta adds.

Troubles hit the road this spring and summer, celebrating the release at Helsinki's Lepakkomies on May Eve with Rokets and Paha Lucia, before joining Australian outfit STERÖID for shows in Tampere and Helsinki later in May.

Red Alert vinyl is available to order, among others, via Blue Bear Shop.




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Upcoming tour in Finland:

Apr 30 – Lepakkomies, Helsinki (album release show)

May 2 – Fresh Carbage Records, Helsinki

May 16 – Punkpiknik/Kramsu, Jyväskylä

May 16 – Vastavirta (upstairs), Tampere

May 27 – Vastavirta, Tampere w/ Steröid

May 28 – Kuudes linja, Helsinki w/ Steröid

Jun 6 – Pikipop, Oulu

Jun 13 – Ketolaikka, Akaa

Jun 27 – Kultainen Kulaus, Helsinki

Aug 1 – Riihimäki Hardcore Fest, Riihimäki

Aug 15 – Käpygrilli, Helsinki

Sep 5 – Private event


 

More shows to be announced.


 

FEATURED EVENTS



Melissa Etheridge: RISE

Wednesday, September 09, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Dion

Thursday, September 10, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Julio Torres: Works in Progress

Thursday, September 10, 2026 @ 8:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ


Flawless

Thursday, September 10, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ


Moondance - Van Morrison Tribute

Friday, September 11, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


 


 

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UPCOMING SHOWS


MPAC presents Melissa Etheridge: The Rise Tour on September 9th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Melissa Etheridge ("I'm the Only One," "Come to My Window," and "I Want to Come Over" to name a few) has remained one of America's favorite female singers since bursting onto the scene in 1988. Etheridge brings her Rise tour to Mayo Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 7:30pm.


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Acclaimed Americana Singer-Songwriter Chris Knight to Perform at The Vogel on September 15th




The Newton Theatre presents Molly Tuttle on September 17th






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