MAGNET first got here throughout Unusual Neighbors by the use of their 2023 single, “Quiet Beat,” a superbly executed rendition of a misplaced monitor written by late Gin Blossoms guitarist/cofounder Doug Hopkins. Unusual Neighbors bassist Dana Bennewitz is Hopkins’ niece, and her band has definitely inherited his power-pop sensibilities. There’s additionally a giddy performance-art vibe that informs the brand new Folks Pleasers Pleasing Folks (Mint 400). Numerous that comes courtesy of singer Aidan Unusual, a former musical-theater child, complemented by drummer Beau Valentine’s personal offbeat model of showmanship. And guitarist Zach Schweikert’s desire for the 12-string guitar is a big a part of the band’s “fizzy” Gen Z tackle ’80s faculty rock.
Unusual Neighbors unpack their newest launch under.
—Hobart Rowland
1) “Crush”
Schweikert: “The concept for ‘Crush’ got here from Chappell Roan. My girlfriend Natalie is a big fan, so we went to see her at Brooklyn Metal in October 2023. I actually suppose she’s only a terrific songwriter in how she will be able to write these very particular songs about her life and experiences, however the feelings they evoke are common. This was my kind of try at writing only a straight pop tune, with the riff and the call-and-response factor.”
2) “With out A Head”
Schweikert: “You wouldn’t have the ability to inform by the completed recording, however this tune began off as a rustic tune within the vein of John Prine, one in every of my favourite songwriters. Musically, I believe it’s one of many extra formidable songs we’ve written and, dare say, essentially the most Beatle-esque. I’ve had the little outro solo in my again pocket for years, and I used to be glad to lastly discover a place for it on this tune. Aidan additionally got here up with the outro lyrics, which tie up the tune tremendous properly.”
3) “Retrograde”
Schweikert: “I keep in mind auditioning Beau for the band with this one. It’s a type of circumstances the place I had the totally different chord buildings kicking round for a very long time and ultimately mashed just a few issues collectively to make a tune. Lyrically, this tune is a bit of bit cryptic. I believe it’s one thing about making an attempt to determine who you’re but additionally being OK with probably not realizing … or some deep emo shit like that. Sonically, the tune owes rather a lot to the Replacements. Aidan’s little grunt noise initially is straight out of ‘Unhappy.’”
4) “You Bought Love”
Unusual: “You’re in a type of relationships that simply isn’t going effectively and also you’re like, ‘Look, if this or that doesn’t change, I believe I’m going to interrupt up with you.’ That dialog retains taking place, after which lastly, once you depart them, they immediately take you significantly. They thought you wouldn’t go, and now they know the right way to change and might say the belongings you wished to listen to. Nevertheless it’s simply so deliberately too late. ‘You Bought Love’ is talking from that relationship.”
5) “Silk And Cyanide”
Bennewitz: “I learn the memoir Between Silk And Cyanide: A Codemaker’s Conflict, 1941-1945 by Leo Marks and all the time wished to put in writing a tune about it. The lyrics went by means of a number of revisions earlier than I revisited Killing Eve and settled on an enemies-to-lovers narrative. It lastly got here collectively when the band was jamming on the chords that ultimately grew to become the verse. I biked house from apply and completed the tune that night time. I wished to emulate a Chilly Conflict spy sound—one thing like Messer Chups or Unloved—and the band did a terrific job capturing these components whereas additionally conserving it sparkly.”
6) “Hate Me Much less”
Unusual: “Whereas scripting this, I used to be reflecting on a breakup I used to be pushing aside ending for a lot too lengthy. In the long run, it grew to become a tune about recollections, remorse, feeling messy and, in the end, hope—however from a wholesome distance.”
7) “Influencer”
Unusual: “The discourse round influencers is so goddamned ridiculous and embarrassing, however you actually can’t keep away from them—so it’s practically unimaginable to forestall them from shaping your views. We’re making an attempt to ‘affect’ folks to take heed to our music every day. How we do this morally and actually is one thing we discuss. I believe it’s tremendous enjoyable to have a catchy little ditty about such an enormous subject … poking it, peeling the pores and skin again a bit of bit, having a little bit of a suppose—and a dance.”
8) “Beer At The Bar”
Valentine: “This tune holds such a particular place in my coronary heart. I take into consideration all my queer and trans associates who’re terrified in regards to the uncertainty of our existence in America proper now—and the way I simply wish to drag everybody out to the bar so that they know they’re not alone. We’re nonetheless out in public present and preventing aspect by aspect. Aidan and I speak rather a lot about mitigating the despair of the information on-line by going out and being in the neighborhood with others, even when that appears like being scared over a pair pints.”
9) “Wherever We Fall”
Unusual: “This tune is a reminder that there actually are not any adults. We’re all simply youngsters operating round this earth making messes, making an attempt to have enjoyable and looking for solutions. It’s a reminder that relinquishing the concept of management and superiority is the one actual possibility for us all in the long run. Wherever we fall, we fall—and at the very least in the course of this tune, that needs to be OK.”
10) “Your Final”
Unusual: “This is perhaps the primary completely happy love tune I’ve ever written. It sounds asinine, however ‘Your Final’ nearly wrote itself—which is another excuse it’s so bizarre. It got here out so nation. I assume it was meant to be that manner—and it provides to the sweetness and campiness. Plus, if anybody has nation music operating of their veins, it’s Zach, Dana and Beau.”
See Unusual Neighbors reside.
