DIY legends, Walter Etc., have returned once again with their new album, ‘When the Band Breaks up Again.’ The acoustic folk punk group expresses the paradox of sensations that come with living in today’s society. With the fear and existentialism that are instilled in us pushing against the necessity of exultation and peace of mind, it’s hard to find common ground. The ten-track record does a fantastic job of explaining these emotions in a way that only music can.
This new record is reminiscent of 90’s West Coast punk. It creates a cohesive blend of the subgenre and their own acoustic DIY sound without the songs becoming repetitive or tiring. On the contrary, each track is unique and leaves you filled with serenity and wishing you could listen to it for the first time again.
‘When the Band Breaks up Again,’ the first track and the title track, is a quick song, lasting a little over a minute and forty seconds. It’s full of fast, hard-hitting drums and riffs that make you want to lose control of your limbs and jump around. Behind this spunky energy the melody creates, is quite an adverse set of lyrics. The song perfectly encapsulates the emotions and reactions that come with the deterrence of a desire or dream and the acceptance of it. This lively track creates a beautiful synthesis between somewhat melancholy lyrics and an exciting tune that leaves a candied taste in your mouth.
The final song on the record, ‘Something to Someone Somewhere’ is a stark contrast to the title track. Lasting a bit under three minutes, the song is much more stripped down and feels like it’s being sung directly to you. The track creates a feeling of optimism as it builds up and more instruments are introduced. The lyrics seem to be some sort of a reminder to keep going, to keep pushing and doing whatever you feel is right. It’s a lovely ending to an all-around enjoyable listen. The hopeful refrain makes you feel as if you’re in the room with the band and that what you’re doing “means something to someone somewhere.”
Walter Etc.’s new album is one full of introspection and recognition of the issues of today. The hauntingly hyperactive melodies pump you full of adrenaline and make you bounce around your room. Overall, the record leaves you feeling a mess of different emotions, but it’s alright because you have the album to help you get through them.
Catch Walter Etc. Near You!
September 9 – Denver, CO – Larimer Lounge
September 28 – Los Angeles, CA – Zebulon
September 30 – Berkeley, CA – 924 Gilman (Twin Shrieks Fest)
October 1 – Sacramento, CA – Starlet Room Harlow’s
October 3 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Beehive
October 4 – Boise, ID – String Basement
October 5 – Portland, OR – Fixin To
October 6 – Seattle, WA – The Vera Project
October 25 – Flagstaff, AZ – The Hive (solo)
October 28 – Dallas, TX – Three Links
October 29 – Houston, TX – The Secret Group
October 31 – Charlotte, NC – The Evening Muse *
November 1 – Richmond, VA – Richmond Music Hall *
November 2- Baltimore, MD – Metro Gallery *
November 3 – Philadelphia, PA – Silk City
November 4 – Brooklyn, NY – Alphaville ^
