There’s a saying that goes something like, “You can outrun the situation, but you can’t outrun yourself.” I feel like it’s used in TV shows and movies a lot in lieu of anything actually interesting to say, but it’s pretty good advice on the surface — a way for someone reach some sort of big revelation that they need to change who they are inside before they can overcome whatever obstacles they’re facing outside. But it kind of breaks down once you think about it too much, because people aren’t very good at changing themselves and it all ends up in a lot of running around with unresolved feelings.

PWR BTTM take things cross-country on “West Texas” — the latest track from their upcoming debut album, Ugly Cherries — and end up in the same place. Ben Hopkins and Liv Bruce trade off on vocal duties between verses, both taking different journeys but going nowhere — one’s watching someone run away, the other’s taking a mental vacation, and neither gets much closure. We all run away from our problems, but nothing works unless we confront them directly. “The stars above me are the same ones above you,” Bruce sings on the kicker. “I’ve been trying to play it cool, but I still love you.” Listen below.

Tour Dates:
08/29 Brooklyn, NY @ Aviv (w/ Mykil Love, Acid Dad, Pupppy, Jawbreaker Reunion)
09/18 Brooklyn, NY @ Silent Barn (w/ Charly Bliss, Fern Mayo, Kississippi)
10/14 Providence, RI @ Aurora
10/31 Brooklyn, NY @ Shea Stadium (w/ Joanna Gruesome, Aye Nako, King Of Cats)
11/10 Philadelphia, PA @ PhilaMOCA *
11/11 Washington, DC @ DC9 *
11/12 Charlottesville, VA @ Southern Cafe %
11/14 Athens, GA @ Caledonia Lounge %
11/16 Nashville, TN @ The High Watt %
11/17 Bloomington, IN @ Bishop Bar %
11/18 Madison, WI @ The Frequency %
11/19 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry %
11/20 Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen %
11/21 Columbus, OH @ Rumba Cafe %
11/23 Toronto, ON @ Smiling Buddha %
11/24 Montreal, QC @ Casa Del Popolo *
11/25 Kingston, NY @ BSP Lounge %

* w/ Mitski
% w/ Mitski, Palehound

Ugly Cherries is out 9/18 via Father/Daughter Records & Miscreant Records.