Still no luck for those who hoped for it. Operation Ivy Reunion but, Tim Armstrong and Jesse Michaels Just reunited and set up a new band together. Bad Optix! They were joined by drummer Joey Castillo (Circle Jerks, Trash Talk, The Bronx) and bassist Spencer Pollard (Trash Talk), and their first single was “Raid”, a song that found them transcribing. traditional Jamaican style Ska goes down to a production style but still brings a punk energy to the vocals. Jesse says:
“The Raid” is about everyone’s spiritual independence from the available powers. regardless of who they are or what their struggles are.
Like many of the songs we do, I listen to the music and write the lyrics very quickly, almost instantly, this is only the second song we’ve done. But it immediately felt hot and flowing. So we thought it would be a great way to introduce a new band to the world.
about writing with Tim again Jessie said “As soon as we started writing together We find that we have the same synergy that we had in the past. So it was natural and fun to continue.” “It’s back to how it was. Just like when we were kids There’s a special chemistry between us and I don’t think it’s for naught.
Tim also added that Twitter:
I’ve been friends with Jesse since the early 1980s when we were teenagers. We formed Operation Ivy in 1987, and two years later we split up.
Jessie and I have continued our musical journey through the years. I always felt a little sad that Jesse and I stopped making music together. But we never lost contact. And then it happened A few years ago we started writing songs again!
A few of the songs ended up on 2nd grade notes. Jessie and I were just about to write a lot again. It came back. Just like that. Like when we were kids. There was a special chemistry between us and I didn’t overlook it.
Joey and I have been friends for many years. And I love all the work he has drummed for Circle Jerks, The Bronx, Trash Talk and Wasted Youth (to name just a few).
I met and became friends with Spencer a few years ago when Joey brought Trash Talk to my studio recording. I absolutely love Trash Talk, amazing band and great people.
Joey and Spencer’s tempo is equally good, and their established style adds another element to the songwriting.
This is our first RAID single, with more BAD OPTIX tracks to come.
The song is the first single on the new Hellcat Singles Club from Tim’s Epitaph imprint Hellcat Records. Listen below.
