Upchuck
“New Case”
Domino Recording Company
Upchuck might be the perfect name for a punk band.
That’s who Upchuck is. A fuzzed out, aggressive & talented five-piece from Atlanta, which has always nurtured a healthy and varied punk scene (see: Black Lips, The Coathangers). Their latest album, “I’m Nice Now,” is out now via Domino.
It’s absolutely lovely stuff – and a clear evolution of their sound, who are quickly becoming more than just a textbook definition of a punk band.
“I’m Nice Now” could also refer to the fact that Upchuck has found melody and a bit of funk and groove now, too. It’s showcased perfectly on “New Case,” which, again, I mean … it’s a new sound for them.
Maybe it’s always been there, tucked away underneath the thump-over-the-head ferocity of “Freaky,” from their 2023 full-length "Bite The Hand That Feeds," which was my gateway drug into getting high off this band.
But “New Case” is an absolute banger. It’s groovy. It’s the song that lures new fans in -- even if punk scared them before. It’s a showcase for lead singer KT’s vocals, which bounce along with this thick, wet bassline that propels the whole track forward. And we’ve probably got producer Ty Segall to thank for this -- a man who has blended the lines between psychedelic fuzzed-out weirdness and the accessibility of big guitar grooves for years now.
You won’t find a ton of these moments on the new album, but “Forgotten Token” and "Homenaje” come close to the appeal of “New Case.”
That’s not to say the rest of the album is not worth listening to. Just brace yourself for impact when you do.
