Interviews: Talking 'Always Watching' with Shiv Scott of Shiv and the Carvers

Toronto-based punk quartet Shiv and the Carvers are poised to unveil their first full-length album, Always Watching, scheduled for release on October 29, 2026, via Twin Fang Records. This upcoming record builds upon the potent energy and experimentation displayed in their previous EPs, Tell Me You Love Me Again (2025) and Physical Capital (2023), delivering eleven tracks that reflect the band's evolving sound and thematic depth.

Always Watching explores a range of contemporary societal issues through a punk lens, merging immersive songwriting with compelling critiques. The album addresses pervasive surveillance and the encroachment of technofascism, notably in tracks such as "Daddy’s Always Watching" and "Screens," which examine the omnipresence of monitoring technologies and the ambivalent relationship individuals have with digital devices. Other songs confront social institutions more directly; "Squealerz" offers a pointed commentary on policing, while "401" imagines the bleak reality of life and death lived out on Toronto's busiest highway.

The band’s musical approach on Always Watching reveals a willingness to push beyond traditional punk boundaries by incorporating unconventional instruments. Lead vocalist Shiv Scott details the inclusion of fiddle and trumpet elements, which augment songs like "Executionary" and "Squealerz," adding texture and expanding their sonic palette. This choice pays homage to Scott's musical heritage and reflects the group's commitment to experimentation—aiming to create a dynamic album that maintains a cohesive identity despite genre blending.

In addition to tackling urgent themes, the album engages with personal and technological struggles, particularly the challenge of maintaining privacy in an increasingly surveilled digital environment. Scott candidly discusses his efforts to protect personal data through tools like Incogni and VPNs, revealing the practical difficulties of resisting data collection and surveillance in everyday life. These reflections mirror the album’s broader concern with digital intrusion and the psychological toll of constant connectivity.

Shiv and the Carvers also emphasize community resilience as a form of resistance against oppressive technological trends. Scott advocates for fostering in-person connections and engaging in non-digital hobbies to counterbalance the isolating effects of the internet. This perspective aligns with the band’s ethos of creating music that not only critiques but also offers a space for shared experience and catharsis.

The collaborative nature of Always Watching marks a departure from the band’s earlier songwriting practices. Scott reveals that the creative process became more collective, with band members contributing ideas at earlier stages. This shift resulted in more integrated compositions that leverage the diverse strengths of each member, enhancing the album's complexity and emotional impact.

Following the album release, Shiv and the Carvers have planned a launch event on November 28, 2026, at The Garrison in Toronto, featuring support from Dermabrasion and Ruby Doom. Live performances promise to showcase new material alongside the band’s established repertoire, underlining their reputation for high-energy shows.

While the band's musical influences remain rooted in punk rock traditions, they consciously incorporate unexpected elements, inspired by records like Green Day’s Nimrod, which mixes genres and moods. This approach allows Shiv and the Carvers to craft an album that is both varied and unified, balancing experimentation with the raw immediacy characteristic of their sound.

As the band prepares to share Always Watching with audiences, they stand as a vital voice in the Toronto punk scene, confronting pressing issues through evocative music and maintaining a strong connection to their community. The album's release and subsequent performances are anticipated to solidify their position as innovators unafraid to challenge norms both musically and socially.