Teenage Wrist-Earth Is A Black Hole (2021)

Why I Like It:

Not many bands have changed lead singers successfully but luckily Teenage Wrist has been able to do it almost flawlessly. Kamtin Mohager decided to part ways with the band in 2019 over reported musical differences. At this point guitarist Marshall Gallagher decided to take the lead in vocals and boy did he step into those shoes like a Cinderella slipper. After listening to some interviews you get to understand why Gallagher was able to do this so well and it's because he's been playing in bands (both as a singer and guitarist) since he was a teenager, even playing in the electronic band 3OH3! for a bit.

Earth Is A Black Hole is the band's first LP with the new lineup of just two and in my opinion their best album to date. I loved their other work too but only singles here and there. Earth Is A Black Hole feels more like fully realized album that flows track to track with purpose. Not only that but it felt like an evolution of their sound, from grungy rock to more alternative (while keep some grunge tinges) and it suites them well. Some bands you think would have a hiccup in their work with such a drastic line up change but you really can't tell and that's what I also like about the album. 

Gallagher has quoted that he feels ready for Teenage Wrist to blow up now at his age (in his early 30s) and is glad it's happened so late in his career, as he feels more ready to take on the new fame and larger tours. This is a great mentality to have and it gives me hope that this band is here to stay for a bit. Speaking of which, check out their latest single Sunshine!

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Highlighted song and lyrics:

Yellowbelly- "I’ve had enough of second guessing/ It’s gonna rot and turn to dust locked up inside"

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Similar bands to check out:

Gleemer, Narrow Head, Nothing, Cloakroom

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Reviews and links to check out:

100 Words Or Less Podcast- Interview

Punktastic.com- Review

Live at PhilaMOCA in Philadelphia

KNOTFEST- The making of Earth is a Black Hole

Softcult-See You in The Dark (2023)

 

Why I Like It: 

I've been following the works of Canadian twins Mercedes Arn-Horn and Phoenix Arn-Horn for sometime now. They started out as a punk outfit, called Courage My Love, around 2011 with songs like "I Sell Comics" and "Bridges" being great bangers. Then they shifted to more indie-pop around 2017 and started producing and self-releasing their own music (still under Courage My Love). Songs like "Teenagers" and "Harlequin Romance" are great examples to look into. At this point they were heavily compared to the other Canadian twin duo Tegan and Sarah, since both bands shifted their music from rock to pop. However, Mercedes and Phoenix did a hard pivot and started a new music group called Softcult in 2021.

This music was darker and heavier, leaning into more grunge and shoegaze sounds (Riot Grrrl shoegaze in their words). However you can hear some tinges of their Courage My Love sounds peppered in as well. This, in my opinion, is them at their best. You can tell this a project they are pouring all their passion and creativity into. The experience of Mercedes and Phoenix being in bands for 13 plus years is evident in See You in The Dark. The production and mixing sounds like it came from a professional record label to me (with my very novice knowledge of music production). Then there's the lyrics that covers deeply personal subject matter to the artists. I condone them for being so open about their experiences. The subject matter and music are perfect matches. The song "Drain" is definitely going to end up in my Spotify Wrapped this year, I'm already calling it.

Highly recommend checking out Softcult and their other band Courage My Love, if you want to hear more from this talented group! 

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Highlighted song and lyrics:

Drain-"Why should we dare to live forever/ If nobody cares to change for the better?"

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Similar bands to check out:

Fleshwater, Soft Blue Shimmer, Bully, Dilly Dally

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Reviews and links to check out:

Peer Pleasure Podcast- Interview with Mercedes

Thesoundboardreviews.com- Review

The Pitch of Discontent Podcast- Influences for See You In The Dark

Live in Philadelphia