Maudlin Strangers return with their latest single, “Under My Skin,“which leans into ’80s new wave influences while adding a darker, goth-inspired edge.

Hays stated, “I had the idea that I wanted to show the band on an old late-night TV show. Though instead of a wholesome performance, I wanted there to be an eerie edge. The song is about knowing you’re in a toxic relationship and accepting your part in it, yet choosing to stay, so wearing clown makeup felt appropriate to depict that meaning.”

He noted, “I’ve been a big fan of the juxtaposition of 1950s aesthetics with an unsettling edge to it, which is a style you’ll see show up in almost all of the new Maudlin Strangers artwork. It’s something I’ve been drawn to for a long time, so it feels right to place the story of the band within this created retro-future time period.”

Maudlin Strangers began in 2010 as the solo project of Los Angeles native Jake Hays. Following several independent releases, Hays formed a band with close friends and signed with BMG/Vagrant Records, releasing the Overdose EP in 2015. They toured extensively, sharing stages with acts like Bad Suns, LANY, and Cold War Kids. After taking a break in 2016, the band reformed in 2023 with original drummer Richie Gonzales, Alexander “Schmorgle” Morgan on guitar/keys, and Drew Bruchs on bass.