Hey, music lovers—have you ever felt that burning urge to prove the doubters wrong? That spite-fueled fire that pushes you harder when someone says you can't do it? Seattle's instant crush just dropped the perfect anthem for that exact feeling with their new single "GRUDGE", the lead track from the upcoming deluxe edition of their debut album I'M SORRY I DIDN'T BITE MY TONGUE. Out now and building serious buzz, this one's got that gritty edge that's making waves in the indie rock scene right now.
If you're into indie rock or indie pop that hits hard with raw emotion and killer energy, "GRUDGE" is screaming your name. The band leans into the rockier side of their sound here, delivering something punchy and unapologetic. Think electrifying guitar riffs that grab you right away, shimmering synths adding that modern shimmer, and production that's got real bite—gritty, different, and way outside what people might expect from instant crush. It's the kind of track that channels the anthemic vibe of those 2000s radio rock heroes but updates it with fresh, soul-baring intensity. Megan Cannon poured her frustrations with the music industry straight into this one, turning bitterness into fuel. She opens up about how holding onto grudges and doing things out of spite actually drove her to work harder and create something unexpected. That personal fire comes through in every riff and beat—it's motivating, cathartic, and honestly, super relatable for anyone grinding in creative spaces.
instant crush started as Megan Cannon's bedroom project in Seattle, but it quickly evolved when she linked up with Matthew Tran, Keegan Mangahas, and Zoee Mangahas to form the full band. Their whole mission? Breathing new life into the early 2000s genre that shaped so many of us—fusing those big, stadium-ready rock elements with poignant lyrics that feel like the score to your own coming-of-age story. They're all about music for the "tongue biters" who have a ton on their minds, and "GRUDGE" nails that vibe perfectly.
The band's been building momentum the right way too—sharing stages with heavy hitters like Del Water Gap, The Home Team, The Wrecks, Plain White T's, Daisy Grenade, and Friday Pilots Club. They've hit up festivals like Capitol Hill Block Party and Treefort Music Fest, proving they're not just bedroom dreamers anymore. Now, with the deluxe edition of I'M SORRY I DIDN'T BITE MY TONGUE dropping March 13 on Share It Music (pre-order it if you haven't!), they're adding six new tracks—three fresh studio cuts and three unreleased demos—to the original lineup. "GRUDGE" leading the charge feels like a statement: this band is evolving, pushing boundaries, and refusing to be boxed in.
In the broader indie rock world right now, we're seeing a real revival of those punchy, emotional sounds—bands blending post-punk energy, pop hooks, and raw attitude are everywhere in 2026 playlists and festival lineups. instant crush fits right into that wave, carving out their spot in the alternative scene that raised them while adding their own Seattle grit. If you're craving indie rock new releases that feel authentic and driven, this is it.
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What do you think of "GRUDGE"? Does it hit that spite-to-motivation spot for you too? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I'd love to hear which part gets you pumped!
