If It's Too Loud...

Tea Eater (the Brooklyn art punk band led by Tarra Thiessen) first came to our attention with their 2023 single "Fuck the DMV," and now they're back with new music. "Cecilia" is a high energy and high noise punk song. It's filled with a constantly fuzzing guitar over some of the hardest grooving bass out there. It's a fun and bouncy track about heartbreak, and has one of the most killer bridges we've heard in a while. "Cecilia" is the kind of song that reminds you of why you started loving music in the first place. Typically any kind of art rock isn't allowed to be fun, but Tea Eater is the kind of band that is a blast to listen to. Tarra Thiessen says of her band's latest single: “Cecilia is a classic heartbreaker. She is the other woman (or ex-girlfriend) that you can’t seem to get away from. People love to talk shit about her, but in reality she’s a necessary part in those who vilify her story. Without her, they wouldn’t have any...

Artist : Tele Novella Album : Poet's Tooth Quick Thoughts : Tele Novella describes their music on Spotify as "coin-operated medieval country songs through a 1950s western lens," and I can't find a better way to describe the entire package here. It's a soft, familiar listen with highlights throughout, and with a perspective and aesthetic that feels pure and authentic. This was a great listen this week, and comes highly recommended. Songs of Note : "Young & Free," "Hard-Hearted Way," "The Unicorn," "Changeless Kingdom," "Poet's Tooth" Artist : Family Obligation Album : Grow Up Quick Thoughts : I don't know how I tripped up on "Black Hole" a few weeks back, but this sort of indie pop-punk warms my heart and Family Obligation is amazing at it. Hooks for days, it's noisy and melodic with a little attitude and a lot of fun. This band has largely flown under the radar so far, but deser...

Photo by Emily Hughston With an opening line that reminds me of The Pharcyde's "Officer" (which was inspired by the opening of Public Enemy's "Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos"), Tea Eater blast into our world with "Fuck the DMV." Fronted by Tara Thiessen of Gustaf, the NYC band's new song tells the tale of Thiessen's license being wrongfully suspended during COVID. It's a minute long rant in the form of an art punk song leaning heavily onto the side of punk. It's a great angry song that expresses that anger with noise and humor. If we can love a new band in just over a minute, we can't wait to hear what they can do with more! You can watch the video for "Fuck the DMV" below. Obsession is due out October 6. For more on Tea Eater, check out the band's website .