This week, I am especially receptive to and grateful for loud, forceful, defiant music out of the Twin Cities. I’m always going to be excited to hear a new song from the trio VIAL. This is a moment when the release of a previously unheard track is more than that. It’s a much-appreciated shot of adrenaline. The thick guitar riff, vocals that are alternately sweet and tough, and steady, thumping beat fill me up. I needed “Never Been Better.”

It’s worth sharing what VIAL posted on their Instagram page in conjunction with the track’s release:

Hey guys, today was going to be the day we were supposed to tell you about our new record HELLHOUND, but our minds are now 100% on our neighbor who was shot and killed by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis yesterday. This was NOT self-defense. This was MURDER. FUCK ICE! Please donate to the Go Fund Me to support Renee Nicole Good’s wife and son, @mnicewatch, and/or @miracmn (linked in our stories and website under our “Resources” tab) if you have the means, and watch out for your immigrant neighbors. Love you all.

The new album from VIAL, titled Hellhound, is scheduled for release in March.