Another week has come and gone and we are no better for it. In fact, some would argue we are far worse. Luckily we are too sweaty and exhausted to hurt by this assessment. Some claim the consumption of art is a great way to improve one’s emotional and mental standing in the world. We’re not so sure, but it’s worth a shot. Here are six songs we listened to this week that did nothing to improve our mood or general outlook on life.
Bright Eyes ‘1st World Blues’
Nobody saw this one coming, Bright Eyes are now a ska band. At least that’s what we’ve gathered from their latest single ‘1st World Blues.’ Don’t worry though, it’s actually kind of sick. Considering the meandering lyrics that skewer everything wrong with our materialistic culture, I guess the band thought a rocksteady arrangement would maybe lighten the mental load for everyone. It’s hard to really dig deep into the world’s ever growing problems when you’re skanking.
Alkaline Trio ‘Oblivion’
It’s long been known that Alkaline Trio releasing a new single so soon after an album run is a tell-tale sign of the impending apocalypse, so it’s fitting that the track is called ‘Oblivion.’ The single marks their first recording with Atom Willard on the back-beat, and comes during what seems like the most prolific period of the band’s existence. It was also produced by Travis Barker, which is odd considering how conservatively mixed and good the drum tones are.
Wednesday ‘Pick Up That Knife’
Your older brother’s favorite band, Wednesday, will be releasing ‘Bleeds,’ their highly anticipated follow-up to 2023’s breakthrough album ‘Rat Saw God.’ So far the advance singles have been gradually turning up the intensity knob. The sweet Americana sounds of ‘Elderberry Wine’ gave way to the fuzzier ‘Wound Up Here (By Holdin’ On).’ ‘Pick Up That Knife,’ however, breaks the knob off with disorienting feedback, tempo changes, and absolutely woozy melodies.
How Much Art ‘PR’
Seems everywhere you look these days, Pat Flynn (Have Heart, Fiddlehead) is starting another goddamn band. Apparently the dude can’t rest until he’s cornered the market on every sub-genre of hardcore. While that may be terrible news for his schedule, it’s fantastic news for us, as his latest, How Much Art is a riot. The first single ‘PR’ blends synth, emo, and hardcore into a pop sheen that still makes you want to throw your desk chair through a wall.
Thrice ‘Gnash’
Thrice are back with their first new music since 2021’s ‘Horizons/East.’ ‘Gnash’ from their forthcoming album – entitled, you guessed it – ‘Horizons/West’ is a frenetic ride that marks a bit of a return to form for the band. While the ambient exploration and expanded prog sections of ‘Horizons/East’ were pretty rad, it’s nice to hear a Thrice song that pummels the shit out of our speakers right out the gate again.
Sweet Gloom ‘Loudmouths’
LA’s crooning punk trio, Sweet Gloom, have just released a new single. ‘Loudmouths’ – originally recorded during the sessions for the band’s debut album ‘Reverie’ – is a catchy little soul-punk number that will have you slicking your back and rolling a pack of filterless Lucky Strikes up into your t-shirt sleeve. You might even be tempted to sing along, but we don’t recommend doing so in public. Remember how embarrassing that was last time?
And yes, we cancelled our Spotify account, so the long meandering playlist we used to provide will still be there to listen to, but we will no longer be adding to it.