Interviews: Talking 'Lose My Grip' with Sara and Mitchell of Among Legends

Waterloo-based punk rock outfit Among Legends have launched their second full-length album, "Lose My Grip," marking a notable evolution in their sound and thematic focus. Released in early June 2026 across multiple labels including Little Rocket Records and Steady Riot Records, the album presents a dozen tracks imbued with both energy and introspective depth.

The band’s lineup for this project solidified with the inclusion of Bennett Rouleau on live performances, adding a fresh dynamic to their stage presence. Founding members Sara Fellin (drums, backing vocals) and Mitchell Buchanan (lead vocals, bass) have steered the album’s creation, addressing the intersecting anxieties of personal experiences and wider societal challenges.

The cover art for "Lose My Grip" departs from their previous illustrated style, opting instead for a stark black and white photograph depicting a table being overturned. This shift reflects the album’s more serious tone and emotional gravitas. The imagery was achieved through a collaborative process involving a friend who enacted the table flip on location, with Buchanan capturing a series of photographs that expanded the visual narrative beyond the initial concept.

The album’s title, derived from the track "What’s It Gonna Be," emerged after a meticulous selection process from approximately eighteen candidate songs. Buchanan noted that the song title and its lyricism encapsulate the dual nature of the album’s themes — grappling with internal struggles alongside broader existential uncertainties. This thematic thread runs throughout the record, addressing questions of stability and what is truly worth holding on to amid turbulent times.

Songwriting on "Lose My Grip" largely followed a model where individual members brought near-complete compositions to the group, which were then refined collectively. Fellin and Buchanan contributed the majority of the material, with arrangements adjusted to incorporate the unique talents of each band member, including guitarist Tyler Boles. The collaborative approach ensured that instrumental parts played to each musician’s strengths, fostering a cohesive yet diverse sonic palette.

A standout moment on the album is the track "Band Dudes Fuck Off," featuring guest vocals from Laura DeRocchis of Hysterics. Fellin intentionally sought a female voice to add a distinct attitude and edge to the song, and DeRocchis’ contribution was recorded swiftly and seamlessly. The partnership highlights the band’s openness to collaboration and commitment to enhancing their sound through diverse influences.

Among Legends plan to support "Lose My Grip" with a tour across Canada during the summer of 2026. Although scheduling challenges may prevent DeRocchis from joining them live, the band expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of performing the featured track together in the future.

Throughout the album's production and promotion, the band embraced humor and camaraderie, recalling moments such as their reception of playful yet memorable descriptions from critics, reflecting the close-knit nature of the punk community. This spirit complements the record’s serious themes by grounding the band’s work in authenticity and shared experience.

With "Lose My Grip," Among Legends deliver a compelling collection that balances raw punk energy with thoughtful lyricism, reflecting the complexities of contemporary life. The album solidifies their position within the Canadian punk scene and signals continued creative growth as they navigate new artistic and personal terrain.