Heading North drop vibrant double single “Expired Kohl’s Cash” and poignant “Good Grief, Idaho”

News

6 Dec

Pittsburgh-based emo-punks Heading North have just released a striking double single, “Expired Kohl’s Cash” and “Good Grief, Idaho”. Following a bustling year of gigs, including a spot at Pittsburgh Pride and opening for pop-punk legends Punchline, this release showcases the band’s ability to balance humour, intensity, and deep introspection.

“Expired Kohl’s Cash” brings a frantic energy, pairing tongue-in-cheek sound effects with sharp commentary on late-stage capitalism. The track captures the frenetic mental toll of working-class life, brought to life by vocalist Asha Edson’s dynamic delivery.

Speaking about the track, Edson explained its origins:

“‘Expired Kohl’s Cash’ was inspired by someone leaving expired Kohl’s cash in my tip jar at work. It was hilarious to me because it was completely worthless and basically garbage. It felt like an apt metaphor for the larger reality of wage workers in America today – customer service workers in particular are expected to grin and bear demands and abuse from the general public for 40 hours a week. Most people work these dehumanizing jobs that are so deeply, dreadfully unfulfilling.”

Sonically, the song fuses playful, almost chaotic elements with tight pop-punk instrumentation, making it a standout in Heading North’s catalogue. The track’s blend of sharp humour and cathartic release has already made it a fan favourite in their live shows.

In contrast, “Good Grief, Idaho” offers a more reflective tone. Described by Edson as a “love letter to Death,” the song delves into themes of mortality, loss, and the uneasy comfort that can accompany suicidal ideation. Its lyrics were inspired by a deeply personal experience, and the song’s title references a real but hauntingly named location.

Edson shared:

“‘Good Grief, Idaho’ gets its namesake from a real unincorporated area in Idaho; I’ve never been, but it’s just such a sad name that it stuck with me. This song is a love letter to Death. It describes how death is this thing that you meet once, however early in life, and can never avoid seeing it again. For a lot of people, myself included, you get this fascination with it and almost fall in love with the idea of death and dying.”

Musically, the track leans into atmospheric layers, exploring textures that feel expansive yet intimate. With restrained guitars and haunting vocal melodies, it contrasts the frenetic energy of “Expired Kohl’s Cash” while reinforcing Heading North’s ability to tackle varied emotional terrains.

This release follows the band’s debut EP, We’re So Back, which landed in May and quickly cemented Heading North as a rising force in Pittsburgh’s music scene. Blending pop-punk foundations with post-hardcore and indie influences, the band has earned a reputation for high-energy performances and emotionally charged tracks that resonate deeply with their audience.

Watch the visualiser for “Good Grief, Idaho”