Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 04/03/2026
Frenchy and the Punk, photo by Nicola Bee
Post-Punk duo Frenchy and the Punk present their new video for the powerful and compelling single "War on War", along with an announcement of spring 2026 tour dates. Playing up to 100 shows a year, the duo thrives on the road. Now they are set to bring that energy to dozens of cities across the Midwest and East Coast before heading overseas for select UK dates.
Torchbearers of a new era in post-punk, Frenchy and the Punk was formed in 2005 by vocalist, percussionist, keyboardist and lyricist Samantha Stephenson and guitarist-composer Scott Helland, co-founder of Deep Wound (with Dinosaur Jr. icons J Mascis and Lou Barlow) and Outpatients, and also known for his exceptional solo music project Guitarmy of One.
Frenchy and the Punk, listed in the ‘Top 25 US duos’ by Yahoo! Music, is a powerhouse duo with a distinct sound, blending post-punk with a touch of new wave by way of electro-acoustic hybrid guitars, loop pedals, fiery live acoustic and electronic percussion, synth and rich commanding vocals.
The powerful video for "War on War" was filmed and edited by Samantha Stephenson in New York State. The single itself was mixed and mastered by William Faith (The Bellwether Syndicate, Faith and the Muse) at William Faith Music Production, with vocal recording and production at Kale Shelter Studios by Hillary Johnson, known for her work with Jeff Buckley, The Misfits, Rufus Wainwright, The Ramones, Nile Rodgers, Vernon Reid and more.
Following 'Not Under Your Spell', released at the end of 2025, this is the band's second release through Distortion Productions, having signed to the label after label-head Jim Semonik saw their performance at Dark Force Fest, in New Jersey last summer.
"This song is not only about war but also the deterioration of truth and destruction of progress. It's the belief that the majority of people in this country and the world do not want to go backwards and do not want to see bloodshed," says Samantha Stephenson.
"It is the frustration that the few, fueled by greed and lust for power, who manipulate for their and their cronies' advantage, cause such grief and destruction for the many. It is a call to voice opposition to the chaos and insanity. It is a call for unity beyond borders."
A veteran of the US hardcore punk scene, Scott Helland has spent years honing a dynamic, high-impact performance style that now drives Frenchy and the Punk’s electrifying live presence and genre-blurring sound. Over the course of his music career, he has shared the stage with Black Flag, Husker Du, GBH, C.O.C, Agnostic Front and CroMags, in addition to performing with Dinosaur Jr. on occasion.
Samantha's artistic expression came from a completely different place, having started in dance, piano and the visual arts. These two worlds collided forming a musical incarnation that moves effortlessly from bombastic and driving songs to atmospheric and almost transcendent soundscapes.
Frenchy and the Punk, photo by Nicola Bee
Both before and after their critically acclaimd albums 'Midnight Garden' (2024) and 'Zen Ghost' (2022), they have toured the US and Europe relentlessly. Fiercely DIY, they have earned a wide and loyal following, endearing audiences not only with their music but their engaging live shows. To see them together onstage is to witness their palpable connection and dedication to the creative life they lead.
'War On War' is out everywhere digitally, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. A full-length album is also in the works, planned for release in late 2026.
TOUR DATES
April 3 - ITHACA, NY @ Nocturnal Cafe
April 4 - ROCHESTER, NY @ Bar Bad Ending
April 6 - SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY @ Desperate Annies
April 9 - LOUISVILLE, KY @ Planet of the Tapes
April 10 - DAYTON, OH @ Blind Bob’s
April 11 - INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Goth Prom @ Healer
April 12 - CHICAGO, IL @ LiveWire
April 14 - ST LOUIS, MO @ The Crack Fox
April 15 - COLUMBUS, OH @ Spacebar
April 17 - PITTSBURGH, PA @ Sidequest (with Ego Likeness)
April 18 - EASTON, PA - Coven @ Lafayette Bar
April 19 - DETROIT, MI @ Small's (with Past Self)
April 22 - RICHMOND, VA @ Fallout RVA (with Ego Likeness)
April 23 - ARLINGTON, VA - Dark Constellation @ Renegade (with Ego Likeness)
April 25/26 - HOLLY SPRINGS, NC @ Festival of Legends
May 22 - World Goth Day Online Fest @ FnP YouTube Channel
June 3 - NEWCASTLE, UK @ Trillian’s
June 4 - EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND @ Banshee’s Labyrinth
June 6 - MORECAMBE, UK @ ASDO Festival
June 12 - SOWERBY BRIDGE, UK @ Blind Pig
June 19 - BIRMINGHAM, UK @ Merlin’s (with Attrition
COLUMNS
BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 8/10/26
Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by Des & the Swagmatics, Bamberdost, Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves, Jonny Couch, Sean Henry Tonight!, and Ava LaMonte. Plus a look back at "Duluth" by Particle Zoo.
MORE NEWS
The Soundtrack of Resilience: Explore Music's Role in Post-9/11 America at the Lacey Library
(FORKED RIVER, NJ) -- In honor of Patriot Day, the Lacey Branch of the Ocean County Library will host "The Soundtrack of Resilience: Music and 9/11" on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The event begins at 2:00pm.
Albert Music Hall presents Pineystock on Sunday
"Amazing!" Bruce Hornsby LIVE! at Ocean City Music Pier
The Vogel presents Early Elton Trio on Saturday
Scottish Rite Auditorium presents Hot Tuna on Friday
UPCOMING SHOWS
2026-27 Season Preview: Split Level Concerts at Jersey Shore Arts Center
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Split Level Concerts at the Jersey Shore Arts Center (JSAC) in Ocean Grove has announced the full concert lineup for its third season. All shows will take place beginning at 8:00pm in JSAC's Palaia Theater. The season lineup includes Willie Nile, John Gorka, Dan Bern, Catie Curtis and Band, Stephen Kellogg, Abbie Gardner, Heather Maloney and Band, and Kim Richey. As they have done in prior years, artists from the Asbury Park music scene will open many of the shows.
MPAC's Summer 2026 Preview
West Windsor Arts Announces 2026 Summer Music and More Series
Foreigner and Lynyrd Skynyrd Announce Double Trouble Double Vision Tour; Includes Shows in Holmdel and Camden
Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
The Penguin Rocks
© 2026 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
[email protected]
Presented by New Jersey Stage
