“Fetch the thirdborough,” Shakespeare wrote. Modern translation: get 3rd Borough on your playlist.

The California rock band’s latest single, “Blood Like Yours,” is darkly danceable, with vampire imagery, big hooks, and a pulse that won’t quit. And it dropped just in time for Halloween.

The track’s foundation is a disco drum beat, deep-in-the-pocket bass, catchy guitar riffs, and spacey synths. That combines for a tightly crafted groove that allows for standout musical moments to shine, like a screaming solo from guitarist Dono Fox. But what carries the song is truly the dual vocal talents of Justin Werner and Apaulo8.

Werner’s brooding vocal evokes early INXS, shifting from low to high octaves with earnest pleading. The crooning style of Werner’s is contrasted by the rap-rock delivery of Apaulo8, reminiscent of G-Love or Gorillaz. Together, it makes for a compelling delivery that suits the dual vampire theme of “Blood Like Yours.”

The single marks the first release from the band’s upcoming full-length album, The Human Quest, planned for next April. It was produced and engineered by bassist Ibo Rodriguez, whose low-end groove anchors the mix of indie alternative rock, hip-hop, funk, and soul. Keyboardist Mark Boyce, guitarist Fox, and drummer Arhkota round out the lineup.

Originally conceived in 2015 and played on San Diego’s 91X Local Pile, “Blood Like Yours” was rediscovered by Rodriguez, who pushed to re-record it for the new album. Like a lost boy back from the grave, “Blood Like Yours” is making the most of its second life.

The video is a vampire-themed romp inspired by classic films like The Lost Boys and filmed by Victor Del Rio of Savvy Vision Productions. A theatrical introduction follows protagonist Matty, who drinks blood, jumps off a bridge, and wakes up on the couch awash in the dark disco funk of “Blood Like Yours.”

It’s a great opening for a music video, recalling classics like “Thriller,” or more recently The Weeknd’s “In the Night.” Fans are encouraged to check out the behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the video on 3rd Borough’s YouTube channel.

Like the video itself, 3rd Borough is a true collaboration. The band calls themselves a “supergroup of friends.” Rodriguez says, “It’s one of the greatest feelings to have friends that you make music with, and now you’re turning the songs into a reality and bringing them out into the world.”

With “Blood Like Yours,” the band is taking an old-school approach and delaying release on Spotify and the other major streaming platforms. For now, the song is only available on YouTube and directly through the band. The idea is to cultivate a bit of mystery, that old feeling of hearing about a new band from a friend in school, and going down to the record store to search for your own copy.

More singles will be dropping monthly, along with exciting visuals like anime and lyric videos. With the album planned to be released on vinyl and cassette, 3rd Borough is building momentum their own way.

If Shakespeare’s “thirdborough” was a peace officer keeping order in a crazy world, then 3rd Borough is doing the same for modern music: bringing the groove and building a community, one pair of ears at a time.

Stream “Blood Like Yours” now, and follow 3rd Borough at the links below:

Official Website of 3rd Borough | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Apple Music