Pinksqueeze joins Skeletal Lightning; New album, We Can Have It, out Oct 23rd.

Can punk rock help us have a better world?  Chicago based queer bandPinksqueeze thinks so, and just might convince you, too!  Formed as a two piece in 2018 and a full band in 2021, their bold and authentic sound brings a fresh take on punk, indie, and emo influences with infectiously hopeful messages to celebrate queer joy.  Following their debut albumBe Gay Have Fun (Voted best local album of 2023 in the Chicago Reader), the band has been recording, touring nationally, playing venues and festivals across Chicago.  Pinksqueeze releases their second full length albumWe Can Have It in October 2026 with Skeletal Lightning. 

We Can Have It, a collection of songs that range from cathartic and heavy thrashing guitars and vocals, to upbeat and catchy emo-inspired hooks, to ambient soundscapes all around the thesis: We want a better world, andWe Can Have It. 

This album pays homage to queer musicians and activists of the past who demonstrated the power of hope, rage, and joy in the struggle for queer liberation. 

During a time in the US and the world that queer rights and futures are under attack, Pinksqueeze releases this album to acknowledge the challenges we face,  and rally our community and allies in joy and connection to take control of our future and shape the world we want to live in. 

The album features songs written individually by each member of the band, as well as songs collaboratively written by all four members, and featuring lead and supporting vocals by all four members. 

Pinksqueeze releasesWe Can Have It in memory of Simon Small (also known as Tunnel of Reverb), whose incredible work as sound engineer and producer deeply shaped this album.

Pinksqueeze will tour throughout the US in 2026 and 2027 in promotion of the release of We Can Have It and will play a headlining album release show at Chicago’s Lincoln Hall on 12/12.