If there’s anything I’ve learned in the last ten years as a cis dude, especially in America, it’s that many portrayals and upholdings of manhood are straight-up wrong, or at least deeply flawed. Too much self-absorbed centering on the toxic – slay pussy, make women submit to you, dick and balls swinging, get rich and drive expensive cars to display high value, live in the gym, don’t order dessert or fruity drinks at restaurants or you’re gay… whatever. What about openness, communication, emotional maturity, empathy, and consent to start out? I promise I’m a much happier man focusing on the latter even though I don’t have a car, can barely survive each month, and am in a committed monogamous relationship.
But enough of me, we need to talk about THE APE in the room. This is a brand spanking-ass-new band from Oslo, Norway peddling heavy post-punk. It’s always a treat to help a new band or project be birthed and today I’m happy to wear the catcher’s mitt while seated at the business end of the womb for this one. We’re proud to help premiere THE APE‘s first single “grownboyhood.” from their upcoming debut album releasing through Loyal Blood Records:
THE APE give context to this barnburner of a track:
‘“grownboyhood.” is a song about dumb boys and their awesome girl counterparts. It offers a raw and honest portrayal of masculine immaturity in the face of genuine care. The lyrics stem from personal anecdotes, meetings with women who see potential even when he’s hiding behind pride, ironic detachment and a quiet martyr complex. The song is a dare for men to open up, rather than performing strength while crumbling.‘
The song itself expertly represents this theme. Its high energy emulates the misplaced and performative anger so many men and boys have, the calmer bridges between show rare moments of internal honesty and welling tears in the eyes of the breaking facade. For as rocking as it is – and it is rocking – it’s also quite beautiful. Much like unstable emotions, it gives whiplash with bouts of acting tough especially in the presence of people who we believe we need to be tough in front of to be valued, and cracking open from the pressure of doing so. Each point of vulnerability must be met with a search for validation that speaks to the mask we all grow up wearing.
‘You say, ‘darling
You make a lot of noise while you’re pretending‘
Girl holds my head like a candle
I ain’t brave, I just break slow
And this shame is the only pace I know
Oh darling, I still fuck you hard as a hammer, don’t I?‘
The most beautiful part of the song is the end though, where gentleness wins out, just barely (‘Oh darling… you try to fold me out like a secret/I can’t stand it but I want to‘). The ending refrain of ‘fold outwards, like a secret‘ treats us like human origami finally being unfolded to reveal all the notes of truth and confession written on the inside. Even if you don’t jive with the themes – which in and of itself probably means you should reflect on why – you’ll love the bold and driving instrumentation. The drop that happens a bit after the minute mark sounds and feels so good, and the little nice touches of speedy blast beat drumming after the second verse accompanied by squealing guitars is worthy of a chef’s kiss.
THE APE have immediately shot to the top of my ever-expanding list of bands I’m looking out for in 2026. “grownboyhood.” is meaningful, virtuous, and oh so needed right now in the rock climate where there’s still too many abusers, tough guys, and frankly assholes in all corners of that musical sphere. I’m absolutely looking forward to their album and hopefully you are too. Again, it’s coming later on via Loyal Blood Records – for more news, you can follow THE APE on Instagram. Fold outwards!
Band photo by Magnus Nordstrand
