I am, by nature, a procrastinator. I ponder, I probe, and then put things off until my back starts to feel the press of the wall. As writing systems go it can be a bit self-defeating, but I’ve generally made it work, for better or worse. This time, however, I don’t have the luxury of, well, time. Quick turnarounds have a way of removing cushions and pulling out the rug. But at least you don’t get the slow-drip anxiety of deadlines creeping up on you. The only thing, really, is to get to it.
Another in a long line of Atlanta multi-band mash-ups, Safety Switch is comprised of guitarists Tom Sinclair (Elesa Sparkle, major) and Tim Holder (Sleepers Club) along with drummer Mason Palanti (Mallbangs, Sleepers Club) and bassist Anna Griffith (Sleepers Club). It wouldn’t be unfair to describe the band as an amalgamation of their other projects—a ’90s and early aughts-coded amalgamation of propulsive post-punk, angular rock, and languid slowcore. But the description wouldn’t be entirely accurate either. As a whole, Safety Switch seem more willing to lurk around the edges, ping-ponging between thrusting anthems and artsy detours.
Their latest single, which we’re excited to premiere today, rides an almost motorik backbeat before spilling out into a hypnotic swirl of lush and driving guitars. There’s a tangible pulsing energy that propels the track, but its defining feature might be its earnest introspection. Lyrically, it explores the inevitability of life and how so much slips by us if we don’t remain present and vigiant. “You gotta pick up all the pieces before they can dissipate,” Palanti sings, reminding us that existence is forever active and only by embracing that dynamism can we make the most of living.
Given that backdrop, there’s no small amount of irony (and some thematic coincidence) in the fact that “Reallife” is the result of considerable procrastination.
According to Palanti, the seed of the song, the foundational progression, words and ‘real life’ mantra came from a song he began writing in 2020 but never completed. For six years, the track existed on his phone as “New Recording 147” before finally resurfacing. Since then, the band have worked collaboratively to transform and evolve “Reallife” into its present mercurial form.
“Once I brought it to the band, it became this sort of impending feeling, this constant build, the whole song in its final state feels like an inevitability as it moves,” Palanti reveals. “Kind of a testament to how new influences and inspiration collected over time can bring new life to a once incomplete idea.”
Listen below.
Safety Switch’s debut EP, Professor, is out Nov. 6. Pre-orders are available here.
Safety Switch will perform tomorrow night, Oct. 17, at the EARL in support of Baums (album release). Fellow locals Assembly will also perform. Doors open at 8 p.m. Admission is $17. 21+ to enter.
More Info
Bandcamp: safetyswitchsucks.bandcamp.com
Instagram: @sssafetyssswitch