If It's Too Loud...

Photo by Milan Zrnic Most bands would celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of their debut album by releasing a deluxe edition, and maybe playing the album in full on tour. Instead of that, Imperial Teen have a new album coming out thirty years after releasing Seasick. The latest single off that album, "Hands All Up," sounds more like 1996 than the previous two singles have. In fact, I wouldn't be shocked to find out it was a lost cut from Seasick. It's a little more rocking than "Overdrive" and "All Over You" were, but with plenty of indie pop to make the song ridiculously catchy. The song sounds like 1996, as grunge faded even further from the charts and was replaced by a more pop focused version of alt-rock. Imperial Teen were one of the finest artists of that sound, and here they are still killing it three decades later. Will Schwartz (guitar, vocals, keyboards) says of his band's latest single: “We want to make people dance and think and fee...

Photo by Milan Zrnic Indie pop legends Imperial Teen continue to celebrate their thirtieth year with new music. Their latest single, "All Over You," is a fun song that stops short of being twee by grooving just a little too hard. It's a fun song with a sense of humor, which is what Imperial Teen have always done best. The song sounds like 1996, but an updated version of music released that year. That was the year that grunge had faded further into the background, and the airwaves had been taken over by alternative rock even more infused with pop... although we never would have admitted that back than. "All Over You" is filled with fantastic nostalgic sounds that push themselves forward into 2026. Roddy Bottom says of his band's latest single: “In 'All Over You' we used a glass jar and other items lying around the studio for percussion. We also use some vocal techniques like breaths for percussion. We got to use some cool Moogs and vintage keyboards f...

Photo by Milan Zrnic Whenever Imperial Teen returns with new music is a big deal, so we're thrilled to have them back with "Overdrive." Somehow the band still sounds just as vital and modern as they did in the 90's (which, to be fair, could be my age, but I don't think so). It's oddly timeless, and sounds like it could have been released at any time in the past three decades. It's indie rock, but in a glammy way. The song is wonderfully groovy, and just feels like the hippest summer of all time. "Overdrive" is fuzzy, it's fun as hell, and it's impossibly cool. Welcome back, Imperial Teen. We couldn't be happier to have you. Jone Stebbins (bass, vocals) says of the band's upcoming album: “For the last few records, the process has been similar. We live great distances away from each other, so initially, we get together to collaborate, write, and create. When we have enough material, we reconvene to record. Both scenarios, creating a...

Some good stuff this week! Artist : Mal Blum Album : Pity Boy Quick Description : Superlative indie rock from a favorite here. Why You Should Listen : Straddles perfectly the line between old and new. Overall Thoughts : We’re been low-key fans of Mal Blum for a while now, and this new album is pretty much the perfect tone not only for the current indie/alt landscape, but for a couple of aging hipsters like ourselves still clinging to the rock music of our youth. While many acts deliberately attempt to operate in the musical ideas of the past, MB gives the impression of making the music she’s interested in making, and it shows in a superlative album this week. Recommendation : It will be a highlight in nearly anyone’s rotation this week, so don’t miss out. Artist : BEA1991 Album : Brand New Adult Quick Description : Offbeat electronic effort. Why You Should Listen : This is one that is often hard to describe. Overall Thoughts : I’ve highlighted a few odd indie electric...