MORI delivers punchy, hook-laden alternative rock/pop you can (and should) scream along to in the car. Fronted by lead singer, songwriter & guitarist Mori Einsidler, the band took shape in 2015 with the addition of Jake Goldin on guitar, Adam Downer on bass and vocals, and Stephen Ranellone on drums. MORI crafts songs that ache and burst, recalling the ear candy of indie-pop duo Tegan & Sara packed with the voltage of alt-rock overlords Paramore and Brand New.

After joining co-producer Jon Markson (Such Gold) in the studio, the band has emerged in 2017 with their heaviest and hookiest music to date. The new single "Contender" is a teeth-baring rock anthem, and the first release by MORI to feature all four band members. Markson's influence is a palpable one, particularly during the thrashing breakdown on the extended cut of "Contender" and on the equally unrelenting B-side, "I Don't Wanna Talk About It". As for the single's inspiration: "Contender is about overcoming the often crippling self-doubt and uncertainty that go along with pursuing a career as an artist," Einsidler notes. She left her 9-5 music industry job in favor of a lifestyle that allows her to focus more on songwriting and the band, and now, there's no looking back. "It's about saying, 'fuck it, I owe it to myself to give this all I've got,' which can be a really tough decision to make. That's what's at the heart of the song-- my inner tug-of-war between being comfortable but miserable, or taking a big risk to feel fulfilled."

Choosing the latter no doubt helped make 2016 the breakout year that it was for MORI. On the heels of releasing the irresistibly catchy and crunchy Better For You EP, which garnered praise for its slick production and Einsidler's powerful voice and strong songwriting, the band enjoyed a stint at Brooklyn's Northside Festival, solo and full band tours across the Northeast, and sold out shows throughout NYC. The heavier direction they've embraced on "Contender" is more reflective of their live show and is a taste of what's to come from the band, including an East Coast / Midwest tour in June and more releases to follow this year.