NYC-based psych-jam heavyweights ESCAPER unleash their life-seizing anthem "Chance" today, the explosive first single from their highly anticipated studio album Still Time, due September 5, 2025 via Ropeadope Records.
LISTEN | Escaper - “Chance”
Forged on a late-night post-gig drive, the hypnotic, toe-tapping track merges kinetic grooves with an existential call to arms: “This life is your one shot—take it.” The single channels the razor-edged energy of early aughts NYC rock with the undeniably danceable art-funk genius of Talking Heads, culminating in a chorus that lodges deep in the bones. It’s a fiery declaration from a band revered for turning stages into ecstatic, communal celebrations.
A meditation on the fleeting stillness between chaos and clarity, Still Time captures the rare moments where reflection meets momentum. Creative core Will Hanza (guitar/vocals) and Phil Kadet (keys/vocals) sculpt Escaper’s signature blend of rock, R&B, jazz, funk, and electronica into soul-stirring, jam-filled soundscapes. On Still Time, they’re powerfully augmented by bass virtuoso Luke Bemand (lespecial), whose deep grooves anchor the album’s low end. Rounding out the album’s tour-de-force lineup is the high-octane polyrhythmic fire of Grammy Award nominated drummer Aaron Johnston (Brazilian Girls).
“Our newest release, “Chance”, celebrates the potential we all have in this life to be as real and free as possible,” explains Hanza. “We are excited to release this first single from the upcoming album, Still Time, as the beginning of our latest journey through consciousness.
Since 2015, Escaper has ignited venues and festivals across the Northeast, drawing sit-ins from members of The Disco Biscuits, Thievery Corporation, and more. Their acclaimed live shows, heralded for a “sparkling sonic interplay” (Live for Live Music) over funky, punchy rhythms – unite music lovers of all ages in intrepid, hip-shaking communion.
Still Time follows Escaper’s 2022 EP Spaceship (Telefunken Studios) and marks their most ambitious studio work yet. The eight track release traverses genres and soundscapes with the band’s signature flair, delivering yet another dance-floor ready opus that expands their ever evolving catalog.
For more information on Escaper, and to purchase tickets, please visit the band’s official website.
Escaper 2025 Tour Dates:
July 24 - Patchogue, NY - Great South Bay Music Festival
Aug 2 - Hudson, NY - Park Theater
Aug 22 - Albright, WV - Groovin’ with the Grove
September 4 - Brooklyn, NY - Baby’s All Right (ALBUM RELEASE SHOW)
September 12-14 - Greenfield, MA - Wormtown Music Festival
