DEW CLAW 

Dew Claw is set to release their highly anticipated new album, E.L.F., on May 9 via Dromedary Records. The band has shared the album’s lead single, “Wall,” along with its accompanying music video, directed by Danny Plotnick. The track premiered at Glide Magazine and will be available for streaming on all streaming platforms for playlist shares.

On the song, band member Stephen Hunking shares:

“'Wall' is a story about old heartbreak and the pressures it can put on a new partner. If your relationship lasts long enough, you might eventually get around to expressing your gratitude for your partner’s patience. Basically, 'Wall' is a tribute to loving and patient partners everywhere. It started as a collaboration with Frode Strømstad (I Was A King) for our project Grand Union, but the demo never made it beyond that. Chris reworked the music into a Buzzcocks-influenced rocker. The recording features Arne Kjelsrud Mathisen (Rural Tapes) on drums, along with guitar legends Dave Rick (King Missile) and Kurt Bloch (Fastbacks), who duel for the first time ever on a recording. The amazing Alison Faith Levy (The Loud Family) contributes her incredible vocals, alongside Frode, Chris, and myself. We’re so grateful for this wonderful group of people.”

Chris Xefos adds:

“For the 'Wall' video, we reached out to my old pal and Super-8 filmmaking legend Danny Plotnick to help us capture the experience of being an aging indie rocker in today’s world. Danny’s unique perspective and filmmaking talents brought this video to life, and we couldn’t be happier with the result.”

Since 2004, Dew Claw has been the music project of Stephen Hunking, through which he has explored themes of life, love, parenting, and personal musings. Over the past two decades, Stephen has released four full-length albums and various singles and EPs under the Dew Claw name. He was also a member of the NY-based band XL Kings and a creative force behind the international collaboration Grand Union with Frode Strømstad. Stephen honed his musical skills and songwriting as part of Hypnolovewheel (1987-1994), releasing two albums independently and three on Alias Records.

Chris Xefos is best known for his time with King Missile during the 1989-1994 period, where he contributed to the college rock hits “Jesus Was Way Cool” and “Detachable Penis.” After King Missile, Chris became a respected producer, engineer, and musician in San Francisco, working with artists like Victor Krummenacher, Jonathan Segel, and Greg Lisher. He was also a member of the instrumental groups Flotation Device and Rattletrap, and more recently joined MX-80 Sound.

Stephen and Chris have been friends since high school, playing music together throughout their careers. Their connection is rooted in the fertile alt-rock scene of the late '80s and '90s, where King Missile and Hypnolovewheel shared both members and a creative spirit.

In 2024, Dew Claw released a limited-edition 7” single, “Mouse Trap” b/w “Fantastic Voyage,” featuring several remixes by High Tunnels (aka Dave Ramirez). The digital release included five remixes of “Fantastic Voyage” and three videos, all directed by Stephen.

For their upcoming album E.L.F., Dew Claw drew inspiration from the musical transition of English rockers The Move into Electric Light Orchestra. The album features 10 tracks, blending personal recordings with full-band arrangements that include contributions from Arne Kjelsrud Mathisen (Rural Tapes), Frode Strømstad, Dave Rick (King Missile), Kurt Bloch (Fastbacks), Gary Olson (Ladybug Transistor), and Alison Faith Levy (Loud Family). This album explores a mix of orchestral elements and alt-rock, with Stephen allowing the songs to breathe and evolve through deeper collaboration.