Spiritbox’s Courtney LaPlante ‘Extremely Disappointed’ After Unapproved Single Release

As Spiritbox prepare to release their second album, vocalist Courtney LaPlante has gone on record to decry the unapproved release of their latest single.

The news comes just days away from the arrival of Tsunami Sea, Spritbox’s new record which is currently scheduled to drop on Friday (March 7) via the band’s own Pale Chords label and Rise Records. The album has been previewed since September, with the release of first single, “Soft Spine.” In November, this was followed by “Perfect Soul,” and again in February with the release of “No Loss, No Love.”

Eager fans of the band may, however, have noticed the release of a new single titled “Crystal Roses” appearing on streaming services on Monday (March 3). According to a post shared on social media by LaPlante, issuing a new single in the week of the album’s release was not part of their approved rollout plan.

“I don’t normally like to air out behind the scenes things like this, but we did not approve putting out another single today,” LaPlante wrote. “None of us were aware this was happening. I am extremely disappointed and only found out about it late last night, by chance. Trying to take it down asap.”

“Crystal Roses” has since been removed from streaming services, with only the previously-released singles available for listening ahead of the album’s official release.

This isn’t the first mishap which has befallen Spiritbox in recent months, with the band having recently been thrust into the spotlight thanks to a case of mistaken identity.

Appearing at the Grammys on Feb. 2 where the band were nominated in the best metal performance category, LaPlante spoke to an interviewer who had mistaken her for Poppy (whose “Suffocate” collaboration with Knocked Loose was up for the same award). Offering a slightly confused look to the off-camera interviewer, LaPlante decided instead to roll with it and continued the conversation as her fellow nominee.

“I am Poppy, and I am really happy to be here, nominated with Knocked Loose,” LaPlante replied slyly. “I really hope we win.”

Noting she had just finished chatting to Judas Priest, the interviewer went on to mention it wasn’t Poppy’s first time being nominated, referencing her nod for “Bloodmoney” in 2021.

“Really happy to be here again, would love to take home the Grammy for Knocked Loose and myself because I would be the first woman to win this award,” LaPlante added. “I actually haven’t looked at [how many women have been nominated previously] but I just always know that it’s time for one of us to win. I hope it’s me, or Spiritbox and Courtney.”

Ultimately, the award was won by French band Gojira, whose performance of “Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)” (as heard at the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony) was a collaboration with Swiss soprano Marina Viotti and Victor Le Masne.