On September 12, 2025, New England hardcore punk torchbearers Restraining Order released their third full-length album, Future Fortune, marking their debut with Blue Grape Music. They’d say they have the gritty, no-nonsense spirit of 1980s hardcore, and I’d say the five-piece arein fact possessed by it. The band has built a reputation for raw, hook-filled songs that can get crowds moving. With Future Fortune, the band channels their relentless energy into a record that is equal parts intense, chaotic, and fun (much like their live shows).
After their first two albums, Future Fortune is a bold step forward, a unique blend of classic hardcore songwriting with playful experimentation that results in a cohesive, confident sound.
Read on to see what drummer Will Hirst and vocalist Pat Cozens had to say about the album, the band, and what’s next.
From Basements to Blue Grape
Since forming in 2017, Restraining Order have risen from Boston’s DIY scene to global stages, sharing bills with legends like Discharge and American Nightmare while headlining punk fests from Tokyo to Barcelona. Their 2019 debut This World Is Too Much introduced listeners to their raw, unapologetically hardcore sound. Locked In Time (2023) earned praise for its catchy hooks, with Stereogum calling it “a great entry point for the present-day hardcore landscape.”
Now, with Future Fortune, the band’s partnership with Blue Grape Music has given them the resources to refine their sound without losing their edge. “It’s the first record we made in a proper studio, Sonelab,” Will said. “I'd say Future Fortune is a good middle ground between the [first] two records, with a push in the more traditional punk direction.”
The addition of guitarist Dylan, who joined three years ago, also marks a shift. “The first LP was kind of a culmination of the first few years as a band, and somewhat of a mission statement since we were largely unknown in the hardcore scene prior to it coming out,” Will explained. “The second was written during Covid lockdown, so we experimented, unsure if we’d ever play again.” Recorded at Sonelab, the album’s production is beefier (bigger drums, thicker guitars) but still has the live feel of a band that thrives while performing.
“Know Not” and the Heart of Future Fortune
The album’s lead single, “Know Not,” sets the tone for Future Fortune. Vocalist Pat Cozens describes it as a reflection of the album’s core philosophy: “looking into the future and staying positive about what's next, pushing through any doubts in your mind.” The track’s aggresive, 1980s-inspired riffs and catchy chorus embody the album’s central themes lyrically and sonically.
Lyrically, Future Fortune represents an evolution from the desperation of This World Is Too Much and the not so subtle defiance of Locked In Time. This time, it’s about owning your choices. Tracks like “Time To Go,” which incorporates pianos and hand drums, show the band stretching their sound while keeping it short, punchy, and replayable. “We aimed for quick songs with replay value,” Will says.
Future Fortune starts high energy right out of the gate. “Shame Game” rocks with gritty riffs and a breakdown built for live shows, while “Insomnia” keeps the pace going, perfect for dancing. “Free Ride” is a standout, its steady drums and catchy chorus sounding like a modern twist on The Vines’ garage-punk vibe. “Adapt” has a distinctly pop-punk lean but also tacks on a sharp guitar solo. “Checkmate” hooks with OG hardcore catchiness, and “Used Love” delivers groovy, two-step-ready drums.
The title track, “Future Fortune,” blends tight power chords with lead guitar melodies in a way Fugazi would appreciate. “The Suffer” surpised with some delightful cowbell over layers of hefty guitars for a playful and heavy, punchy track. “Bashful Blue” is a catchy, early AFI style song that mixes melody and aggression. “Time To Go” shows the band stretching their arranging chops including some bonus instruments (pianos and hand drums), adding some variety to the album. “Journeyman,” a King’s X-like interlude, hits with a huge, downtuned riff - I could listen to a whole album of that, to be honest, it’s that cool. “Wish You Were There” wraps it up, combining catchy hooks, driving rhythms, and all the album's good features into one song.
Capturing the Live Chaos
Restraining Order’s live shows are legendary for their energy, with crowds erupting from Boston to Beijing. Capturing that intensity in the studio is no small feat, but Future Fortune comes close. “We record basic tracks live with as many band members in the room as possible,” Will explained. “There's a bit of a ‘this thing could go off the rails any moment’ vibe to the way we play, and I think that comes through,” he said, adding, “We love Void.”
The band’s influences (Minor Threat’s Filler 7”, Negative Approach, Bad Brains, Circle Jerks’ Group Sex) are what Will called the “sacred texts” of hardcore, and their melodic streak draws from a broader love of rock music. “We’re not afraid of hooks,” Will says. “We like punk, but we’re open to ideas outside our comfort zone.” This willingness to experiment, paired with their no-nonsense roots, makes Future Fortune both a nod to the past and a step into new territory.
Future Fortune for Future Fortune
From Asia’s basement shows to Europe’s massive punk fests, Restraining Order have built a global following. Memorable gigs include Outbreak Fest 2023, FYA 2022, and wild nights in Tokyo and Paris. “European crowds are a little more open minded to bands they aren't familiar with,” Will said. In the US, Will explained, “we are spoiled rotten and take a lot of things in the scene for granted. Also hype in the U.S. doesn't necessarily transfer over to Europe, kinda gotta go over there a few times before people start to care.”
With Future Fortune out now on Blue Grape, Restraining Order hope it resonates beyond the initial hype. “People move on to the next thing,” Will said, “I hope fans give it a spin or two.” Following their recent Euro/UK tour, the band is gearing up for U.S. dates, with more to be announced. Their goal? “Get back on the road and play these songs to everybody,” Will said, and to keep crushing stages while connecting with fans.
Future Fortune is Restraining Order at their most focused—grittier, catchier, and ready to rock and roll. It’s a record for the moshers, dancers, and anyone fighting to carve their path in a chaotic world. As Pat put it, “Keep moving forward.”