Husband and wife duo Randy and Kayla Garcia have proven quite adept at writing rock-solid songs with strong hooks. Take that as you will, but for me it’s one of the better compliments I can pay to an artist. Many music writers tend to give greater weight to the new and different, but I’d argue it’s just as difficult to write a well-crafted song that’s memorable and familiar, especially one where the band is able to attach their own unique stamp.

“Heavy Breathing” is the first single from Snoot’s (formerly known as R_Garcia Band) upcoming LP, Dank Memes, and it finds the group accomplishing just that. Joined by drummer Chris Sheldon (Nerd Parade/Space Giants) and bassist Collin Derrick (The Fire Tonight), the band churns out rollicking uptempo grooves that throw off hints of grunge and ’90s alt-rock while maintaining a contemporary indie rock feel. Kayla Garcia’s vocals are the lynchpin here, her warm, confident delivery serving to almost mask the dark humor lurking in the lyrics. “I love you so much, I want to keep your heart in a jar / I need you enough to keep you locked in the trunk of my car” goes the opening couplet, but it sounds so matter-of-fact, and her words fit so nicely against the staccato stabs of guitar, that it would be easy to overlook their overt nods to violence and terror.

Admittedly, there’s nothing in this song that’s unprecedented, but even after a couple of plays I still found myself reaching for the repeat button. The transitions from the driving tumult of the bridge, the livewire solo and into the invigorating double time of the closing passage feel especially inspired, but what really brings everything together is how uncluttered and effortless it all sounds. Listen below.

Dank Memes is due out November 6 via Fort Karate.

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