A surging, horizon-groping tune like Rocky Votolato’s latest single, “The Hereafter,” could only have come from a world-weary songwriting vet. Luckily, Votolato’s 15 years of productive recording and tireless performing make him exactly the scribe for the job. “The Hereafter” — which, like the rest of Votolato’s upcoming album Hospital Handshakes, was produced by former Death Cab guitarist/producer Chris Walla and recorded at his Seattle studio — evokes images of broken teeth and burned hands, suggesting the arduous career highway Votolato has traveled. Over poppy power chords and unflappable heartbeat drumming, Votolato aims for one gigantic singalong statement and, in the rushing chorus, nails it: “I”m not so sure/What matters so much here/Will matter at all in the hereafter.” Listen.

Here’s Votolato’s latest press photo:

Hospital Handshakes is out 4/21 on No Sleep in the US and Glitterhouse in Europe. Pre-order it here.

[Photo by Amber Zbitnoff.]