Photo by Viktorsha Ulyanova

On April 10th, 2025- Dew Claw released their newest single “Escape Velocity” with an offical video as well. I never listened to Dew Claw before, but after I watched this video; I instantly became a fan. The band will also be releasing their new album on May 9th called E.L.F. via Dromedary Records! Pre-order here! You can sense the band is very playful, high-spirited, and lively just based off of the official video of “Escape Velocity“.

“Escape Velocity” captures the spirit of people coming together, making unlikely plans, and following them through as the world seemingly unravels. This song is about people finding each other, making impossible plans, and then seeing them through as everything seems to fall apart. It’s like life—but also like a hero’s journey, where everyone’s the hero and sort of wins in the end, even if it’s bittersweet for some of them.” – Stephen Hunking

The video, filmed in and around Mooncake Flower Farm, reflects Dew Claw’s playful spirit and knack for satirical storytelling. Hunking adds: 

“The video is loosely inspired by the Monkees, like if one of them was young and the rest of them were more mature, Heh. It’s also kinda motivated by the ridiculousness of work life and some of the nonsense that comes with it. For instance team building exercises where you have to make something outta straws and tape and everybody feels kinda foolish. The idea came about when Chris and I spotted a sign for validating parking tickets. It made us laugh and we started riffing about being validated, personally, on a daily basis, in a similar way. How about a video where people validate each other with some kind of cards? How fast would that become a train wreck? Then realizing , oh yeah,  social media! The unconscious mind is always the last to know. At the end of the day the video was an excuse for us to goof and ham it up just like old timey tv, but even more stupid. We had a blast making the video in and around Mooncake Flower Farm, Kudos to Steve Michner of Big Dipper fame, and Arron Bryant of Battle Ground Flowers for rounding out Dew Claw (north west) and getting into the spirit.“

Dew Claw’s Chris Xefos says, “This track really taps into that E.L.O. energy that sparked the whole album. Arne Kjelsrud Mathisen recorded his drum parts indoors that day because his barn was too cold. He was worried they weren’t good enough, but Stephen and I were jumping up and down when we heard them—they were perfect. Every time we got a new track from Arne, it felt like magic. His drumming is essential to this record, and we can’t thank him enough. Much love to Arne!” 

Stephen and Chris have been friends since high school, playing music together throughout their careers. Their connection is rooted in the fertile alt-rock scene of the late ’80s and ’90s, where King Missile and Hypnolovewheel shared both members and a creative spirit.

For their upcoming album E.L.F., Dew Claw drew inspiration from the musical transition of English rockers The Move into Electric Light Orchestra. The album features 10 tracks, blending personal recordings with full-band arrangements that include contributions from Arne Kjelsrud Mathisen (Rural Tapes), Frode Strømstad, Dave Rick (King Missile), Kurt Bloch (Fastbacks), Gary Olson (Ladybug Transistor), and Alison Faith Levy (Loud Family). This album explores a mix of orchestral elements and alt-rock, with Stephen allowing the songs to breathe and evolve through deeper collaboration.

E.L.F  Track Listing

1. Escape Velocity
2. Mouse Trap
3. Wall
4. Here Comes The Weekend
5. You Are Not Alone
6. Rescue Dog
7. Shovel
8. Little Professor
9. For All Time
10. Star Light