Latecomer & FYD Split LP | Pressed at Hellbender Vinyl
Pittsburgh punk fans, this one’s for you! Sauna Sessions Vol. 1 brings together two powerhouse bands, Latecomer and Fuck Yeah, Dinosaurs!, for a split LP packed with raw energy, unexpected covers, and a whole lot of attitude. Pressed to perfection at Hellbender Vinyl, this record captures the grit and unpredictability that makes punk rock so damn good.
Latecomer’s side delivers a melodic yet hard-hitting sound reminiscent of '90s punk, blending personal storytelling with sharp social commentary. From the anthemic "Softage" to their bold cover of The Drifters’ "Last Dance," they channel influences like Face to Face and Lagwagon while keeping things fresh and urgent.
On the flip side, Fuck Yeah, Dinosaurs! take punk absurdity to a whole new level. With songs about prehistoric party animals ("Jurassic Drunks") and a wild retelling of baseball legend Dock Ellis’ LSD-fueled no-hitter ("Raptors II Ellis D."), their sound is a chaotic mix of Dead Kennedys, Guttermouth, and straight-up madness.
In addition to celebrating the momentary excitement of the pressing day, it’s important to recognize the broader significance that plants like Hellbender and vinyl releases from bands like Latecomer and fuck yeah, dinosaurs! carry within the music community. These aren’t just records—they’re tangible artifacts of artistic identity, community pride, and the deep-rooted DIY spirit that fuels punk, indie, and experimental scenes.
Hellbender Vinyl itself embodies this ethos. As Pittsburgh’s first vinyl pressing plant in decades, it not only accelerates turnaround times for local artists but does so with an artist’s sensibility—prioritizing quality control, personal service, and environmental consciousness through closed-loop cooling systems and charitable donations toward the endangered hellbender salamander. Meanwhile, Latecomer’s raw, moody guitar work and punchy rhythms find new life once they’re encoded into the analog grooves of a freshly pressed 7" or 12", reinforcing that tactile connection between band and listener. And fuck yeah, dinosaurs! (a band known for whimsical “dinopunk” antics, skate-punk energy, and even philanthropic activism) sees their zany, irreverent spirit immortalized on colorful vinyl, perfect for mosh pits and record collections alike.
When fans drop the needle on these discs, they’re not just experiencing music - they’re engaging in a moment of shared history. That vinyl crackle, the embossed label artwork, and the heft of the vinyl itself all translate into a physical score of sound and memory that digital files simply can’t deliver. Plus, owning a limited pressing - whether it’s splatter color, picture disc, or etched B-side - transforms each release into a collectible, a small piece of cultural history or even a conversation starter at shows and among friends.
In short, the convergence of musical ingenuity (from bands like Latecomer and fuck yeah, dinosaurs!), artisanal craftsmanship (courtesy of Hellbender Vinyl), and fan devotion weaves a vibrant tapestry. It’s a reminder that music is lived, shared, and cherished - not just streamed. And with Hellbender’s presses humming, more artists can continue pressing their visions into vinyl, bringing the unmistakable warmth, intentionality, and community connection of analog back into focus. Here's to many more records, many more releases, and the robust health of the Pittsburgh music ecosystem
With both bands throwing in killer covers to close their sides, Sauna Sessions Vol. 1 is as unpredictable as it is essential. And now, thanks to Hellbender Vinyl, you can experience it in all its analog glory.
