An unexpected comeback: Dead Fish Handshake returns stronger than ever in 2025 with their new release “Traveling at the Speed of Life”
- The Bad Wolf Team
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
It’s been five years since die-hard rock followers last experienced the full power and energy of Dead Fish Handshake with their studio album “Lies… And All That Jazz.” However, many of us remained eagerly waiting through a long hiatus — one that finally comes to an end today.
The alternative rock band hailing from Rutherford, NJ, and Providence, RI, returns once again to push boundaries with their new single “Traveling at the Speed of Life.” This release marks not only a true milestone and a major achievement for the group — who, after parting ways during the COVID-19 pandemic, decided to follow separate paths — but also showcases a more modern, refined, and polished sound that solidifies a new chapter in their journey, proving that their musical career still has a long road ahead.
Formed in 2011 as an acoustic project by Matthew Paul (vocals) and Rob Ferreira (guitar), Dead Fish Handshake gained traction in the independent scene following the release of their debut album “Across State Lines.” With the addition of Darren Furman (bass) and Mark Birkelbach (drums), the band solidified its place as a standout act in the alternative rock scene of the Northeastern United States, defined by an authentic, powerful, and emotionally charged style. Their energetic live performances and strong connection with the audience helped build a loyal fan base that still stands strong today.
Over the following years, Dead Fish Handshake released several singles and EPs that captured the attention of hundreds of thousands of listeners worldwide, reaching their peak between 2013 and 2019 after sharing the stage with bands such as Stone Temple Pilots, Three Doors Down, and other heavyweights in the genre. Under the production of Clint Lowery (Sevendust), the band refined their sound—until 2020, when a period of complete silence began.
Fans were left puzzled, unaware that the band had gone inactive with no plans to return. However, in 2024, the long-awaited reunion became a reality with the arrival of Vito Rauseo Jr. (guitar) and Ant Salcedo (bass), who brought fresh energy to the group, revitalizing their creative process alongside original members Matthew and Rob.
That’s how “Traveling at the Speed of Life” came to light on November 7, 2025. Running 4 minutes and 48 seconds long, this track becomes the second-longest single in their discography, surpassed only by “All Time Low,” released in 2014. In this new work, Dead Fish Handshake proves that they’ve returned to the essence that made them unique in their early days — but now with an even more refined, stylized, and immersive level of production. Their current sound strikes a perfect balance between emotional intensity and artistic maturity, delivering a comeback that blends identity and evolution with exceptional sonic quality.
“Traveling at the Speed of Life” also stands out for its profound lyrical depth, which not only reflects the dizzying, fast-paced rhythm of modern life that many listeners will relate to, but also unveils the challenges the band faced following the departure of some of its members and their subsequent breakup. Paul explains:
“I'm inspired by the resilience of people and the world's ability to bounce back from tragedy, whether personal or on a global scale. Lyrically, we've always been a band that wanted to be a voice of the people - people who want to see a better day. Even though this song acknowledges a lot of chaos and ups and downs, the ultimate message is we're on this ride together and hopefully, where we're heading is better than where we began.”
Matthew Paul (Singer, Songwriter)
Opening with filtered guitars that create an immersive atmosphere and gradually evolve into an exquisite distorted 'fuzz sound', accompanied by pulsating percussion, “Traveling at the Speed of Life” manages to capture the listener’s attention from the very first second. Matthew Paul’s voice, with his polished 'falsetto' technique, makes a triumphant entrance in the opening verses, later unleashing its full potential as the pre-chorus builds momentum and bursts into an incredibly catchy, anthemic chorus.
The song’s structure is another standout element. Although it follows a relatively simple format, it’s precisely crafted to allow each instrument to shine in its own space. There are passages where the guitars take over with spine-tingling solos, moments where the bass lifts the groove to another level, drum fills bursting with pure energy, and vocals that move seamlessly between intimate and explosive sections — showcasing the band’s versatility and musical mastery.
With this release, Dead Fish Handshake marks the beginning of a new creative chapter marks the beginning of a new creative chapter that will unfold into their upcoming album "Safe in the Harms of Love", scheduled for 2026. “Traveling at the Speed of Life” not only foreshadows that long-awaited return but also stands as a true introduction to the band’s renewed sound — more mature, emotional, and charged with an energy that promises to take them to a new turning point in their career.
If this song left you wanting more, don’t forget to follow Dead Fish Handshake on their official social media channels! where you can stay up to date with all their latest news and upcoming releases. Links are available below.