Lovesick or not, we’re stronger than we think.
Arizona’s Rad Stacey is back to deliver a raw and defiant slice of post-breakup catharsis with their latest single, “This Isn’t Tennis.”
Anchored by Ian Hunthausen’s emotionally charged vocals, the track fuses classic pop-punk sensibilities with a modern hard rock edge. Written in the aftermath of heartbreak—literally behind a hotel desk—it’s a visceral “sad-boy, fuck-you anthem” that teeters between acceptance and anguish, capturing the bittersweet cocktail of being hurt, angry, and somehow okay all at once.
Echoing the spirit of Enema of the State-era Blink-182, Rad Stacey's knack for combining gritty guitar riffs with unapologetically honest and authentic lyrics hits full stride here. Lines pulled from real-life heartache give the song an authentic edge, making it relatable without feeling formulaic. But this isn’t just a nostalgic throwback—the track’s dynamic production and thunderous energy mark the band as forward-thinkers in today’s rock landscape.
“This Isn’t Tennis” feels like a song built to be shouted from a packed crowd or belted out at karaoke with your friends, a drink by your side. The instrumental performance is high-energy and electric until it softens in the second part of the track, mirroring the angst and anger we feel that slowly turns into acceptance and inner peace. Eventually, things pick back up as Hunthausen drops lyrics like “Don't worry, I am doing fine” and “I guess I’m not about you,” symbolizing that amongst all the heartbreak, the show must go on.
Since their 2020 debut EP, “Shhh…Tell ‘Em All” Rad Stacey has steadily honed their craft, blending punk, hardcore, and hip-hop influences into a style that’s uniquely their own. With singles like “Night Traffic,” “Still Here,” and now “This Isn’t Tennis” (which comes in the wake of their 2024 album “Vibe Rider”), they’ve proven themselves masters of balancing anthemic hooks with emotional vulnerability.
Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream Rad Stacy’s new release, “This Isn’t Tennis,” on all major streaming platforms.