Krill Returns: A Decade in the Making for “Commemorative Plaque”

Well, here’s a piece of news that’ll certainly perk up anyone who spent their early-to-mid 2010s immersed in the vibrant, often wonderfully anxious world of indie rock: Krill, those much-missed Boston darlings, are officially back! And not just back to play a nostalgic gig, mind you, but with actual, honest-to-goodness new music on the horizon. Can you believe it? It’s been a full decade since we last heard fresh sounds from them, and now, a brand new single titled “Commemorative Plaque” is slated for release on July 22, 2026.

For those unfamiliar, or perhaps those who’ve simply let time blur the edges, Krill formed back in 2010 in Boston’s bustling Allston neighborhood. They quickly carved out a niche with their raw, often self-deprecating yet deeply profound lyrics, propelled by Jonah Furman’s distinctive vocals and a wonderfully angular, energetic sound. Their output was quite prolific for such a short period, gifting us albums like their 2012 debut “Alam No Hris,” followed by “Lucky Leaves” in 2013, and the highly acclaimed 2015 full-length, “A Distant Fist Unclenching”—which, fun fact, was produced by none other than indie stalwart Justin Pizzoferrato, known for his work with bands like Dinosaur Jr. and Sonic Youth. We also got that fantastic 2014 EP, “Steve Hears Pile in Malden and Bursts into Tears.”

Then, quite suddenly, the ride seemed to end. The band announced their breakup in September 2015, playing their final show that October 23rd in Brooklyn, leaving a noticeable void in the indie landscape. It felt like a true loss for many fans who connected deeply with their introspective, often witty take on everyday anxieties and philosophical ponderings. But, as often happens in music, the individual creative fires never truly died out.

During the hiatus, frontman Jonah Furman kept busy, notably forming Knot in 2019 with Joe DeManuelle-Hall. They released a self-titled album in 2020, showcasing Furman’s continued artistic evolution and, if you look closely, his commitment to labor activism shining through. So, while Krill was quiet, their members certainly weren't idle. It makes this return feel all the more earned, doesn’t it?

Now, Krill is reactivating with a lineup that sees Jonah Furman once again on bass and vocals, joined by Ian Becker on drums, and welcoming Andrew Clinkman as a new member. This fresh configuration, along with the incredible talents of Macie Stewart on violin and Will Greene on saxophone for the single, promises an exciting new sonic chapter. We can only imagine what “Commemorative Plaque” will sound like, but with such a thoughtful, intricate history, anticipation is naturally through the roof.

The single’s release is perfectly timed with their upcoming live performances. Fans can look forward to catching Krill live ahead of the NICE Fest in Boston, with another gig planned for Chicago. It’s more than just a song; it’s a re-entry into the world of active music-making, a chance to reconnect with old fans and surely win over new ones. This return, facilitated by their original labels like Exploding In Sound and Double Double Whammy, along with Steak Club, feels like a natural progression for a band whose influence has quietly simmered even in their absence. It's truly wonderful to have them back.