Alt-rock titans Dinosaur Pile-Up are back with a vengeance, unleashing their gritty, heart-wrenching new single, “Sick Of Being Down,” a track that’s as raw as it is empowering. This is the latest gem from their upcoming album, I’ve Felt Better, their first in six years, set to drop on August 22 via Mascot Records. Alongside the single, the band has announced a one-off show at Sheffield’s Leadmill on June 24 to bid farewell to the iconic venue, plus a massive U.S. tour with A Day To Remember and Yellowcard from October 22 to November 22.
A Personal Journey Through “Sick Of Being Down”
Frontman Matt Bigland pours his soul into “Sick Of Being Down,” a grunge-soaked anthem born from his harrowing experience with ulcerative colitis and a grueling hospital stay. The song captures the disorienting struggle of readjusting to life after a health crisis, wrestling with mental health, and rediscovering his place in the world. Bigland describes it as “a post-traumatic existential breakdown articulated as a 3-minute garage punk rock song.” It’s a visceral exploration of self-conflict, with lyrics that grapple with the cyclical nature of feeling low and seeking balance—whether through introspection or, as Bigland notes, experimenting with weed to steady his mind.
The accompanying lyric video is a surreal trip, blending vintage movie clips with a chaotic energy that mirrors the song’s intensity. “I wanted the lyric video to be something surreal,” Bigland says. “The narrative of the song and the footage aren’t linked, but somehow create something new when forced together.” The result is a visual that’s as bold and offbeat as the track itself, amplifying its raw emotion.
I’ve Felt Better: A Cathartic Comeback
I’ve Felt Better is shaping up to be Dinosaur Pile-Up’s most powerful work yet. The album channels Bigland’s darkest moments into songs that shimmer with resilience and hope. From the explosive comeback single “‘Bout to Lose It” to the defiant “My Way,” a hip-hop-infused ode to staying true to oneself in an industry that often exploits artists, to the biting “Big Dogs,” which skewers celebrity privilege, the album is a masterclass in turning pain into art. Tracks like “Punk Kiss,” “Love’s The Worst,” and “Quasimodo Melonheart” promise to deliver the band’s signature blend of heavy riffs and emotional depth.
The album, available for pre-order in CD, LP, and digital formats, is a testament to the band’s ability to rise from rock bottom. For fans who’ve followed their journey, I’ve Felt Better is a beacon of empowerment—a reminder that even in the darkest times, there’s light to be found.
Hitting the Road: UK and U.S. Tours
Dinosaur Pile-Up are hitting the ground running with a packed schedule. Their UK headline tour in September includes stops at Birmingham’s XOYO, Bristol’s Electric, Glasgow’s Garage, Manchester’s New Century Hall, and London’s Electric Ballroom. Before that, they’ll play a special farewell show at The Leadmill in Sheffield on June 24, a nod to their roots as the venue closes its doors.
Stateside, the band is joining forces with A Day To Remember and Yellowcard for a colossal U.S. tour, kicking off on October 22 in Ontario, CA, and wrapping up on November 22 in Corpus Christi, TX. They’ll also make a splash at the Shiprocked Cruise from January 25-31. Check out the full tour dates below:
UK Tour Dates
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6/24 — Sheffield, UK — The Leadmill
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9/5 — Birmingham, UK — XOYO
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9/6 — Bristol, UK — Electric
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9/9 — Glasgow, UK — Garage
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9/11 — Manchester, UK — New Century Hall
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9/13 — London, UK — Electric Ballroom
U.S. Tour Dates
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10/22 — Ontario, CA — Toyota Arena*
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10/23 — San Diego, CA — Gallagher Square at Petco Park*
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10/25 — Phoenix, AZ — Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre*
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10/26 — Albuquerque, NM — Isleta Amphitheatre*
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10/28 — Colorado Springs, CO — Broadmoor World Arena*
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10/29 — Independence, MO — Cable Dahmer Arena*
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10/31 — Lincoln, NE — Pinnacle Bank Arena*
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11/1 — Bloomington, IL — Grossinger Motors Arena*
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11/2 — Minneapolis, MN — The Armory*
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11/4 — Grand Rapids, MI — Van Andel Arena*
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11/5 — Pittsburgh, PA — PPG Paints Arena*
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11/6 — Lexington, KY — Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center*
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11/8 — Manchester, NH — SNHU Arena*
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11/9 — Bridgeport, CT — Total Mortgage Arena*
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11/11 — North Charleston, SC — North Charleston Coliseum*
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11/13 — Biloxi, MS — Mississippi Coast Coliseum*
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11/14 — Tallahassee, FL — Donald L. Tucker Civic Center*
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11/18 — Huntsville, AL — Von Braun Center*
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11/20 — Tulsa, OK — BOK Center*
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11/21 — Austin, TX — Moody Center*
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11/22 — Corpus Christi, TX — American Bank Center*
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1/25-1/31 — Miami, FL — Shiprocked Cruise^ *With A Day To Remember + Yellowcard
^Festival
Why This Matters
Dinosaur Pile-Up’s return isn’t just a comeback—it’s a reclamation. After years of challenges, they’ve crafted an album and a single that speak to anyone who’s ever had to claw their way back from the edge. I’ve Felt Better is poised to be their defining statement, and “Sick Of Being Down” is the battle cry leading the charge. Whether you’re catching them live in the UK, the U.S., or rocking out to their new tracks, one thing’s clear: Dinosaur Pile-Up are louder, stronger, and more vital than ever.
Pre-order I’ve Felt Better here and get ready to lose yourself in their most electrifying chapter yet.
