The Orwells quietly release new album less than a year after breakup
Last summer, after several members of Chicago rock outfit The Orwells were accused of sexual misconduct, the band announced their breakup. Now, less than a year later, they’ve quietly released a new album.
Frontman Mario Cuomo posted a link to the self-titled release via the band’s reddit page. “Hey everybody. I could not wait any longer for this record to be heard,” Cuomo wrote in a post. “Sorry it has taken so long but it would have taken even longer if I didn’t make the decision to self release this album. Self recorded, self titled, self released. The Orwells.”
(Read: Female Fans Use Social Media to Expose The Orwells’ Allegations)
The album’s artwork includes a message reading: “We had an album cover we wanted to use, but after getting dropped by our label we can no longer afford to use it. So instead you can stare at this blank square.”
Ironically, reddit was also the place where alleged victims of The Orwells documented their allegations last summer. Band members Cuomo, Henry Brinner, and Grant Brinner were accused of rape, sexual abuse, sexual interactions with underaged girls, sending unsolicited nudes and videos, and sexual manipulation. Additionally, Cuomo allegedly engaged in homophobic and transphobic behavior, as well as aggressive altercations with fans and venue staff.
Prior to breaking up, The Orwells disputed the allegations, calling them “baseless.” “While callow altercations and vulgar language we’ve used in the past must be recognized and owned up to, the accusations of sexual assault are completely unfounded,” the band said in a statement. “No member of this band has ever acted without consent or maliciously taken advantage of anyone.”
The Orwells quietly release new album less than a year after breakup
Alex Young
