NOW HEAR THIS is a column dedicated to discovering new and promising local artists from all genres. If you know of an emerging artist we should feature, please let us know via our contact page.
Artist Name: Silver Lake Waves
Who Are They: Art-punk five-piece fresh out of Atlanta.
Members
Milo McGehee – Vocals, guitar
Jake Van Valkenburg – Vocals, bass
Ryan Holtzen – Guitar
Liz Kontyko – Synth
Max Wagner – Drums
Sounds Like: A giant bundle of frazzled nerves winding itself tighter and tighter until it bursts. Their music—or at least what little we have on record—is anxious yet giddy in a way that brings to mind Ought’s twitchy anthems or Parquet Courts at their most feverish. Think frenetic guitars, angular rhythms, and exultant vocals, and you’re probably in the ballpark.
Releases: The group released their two-song demo back in May. That was followed by a six-song set live at WREK in August. Although the band is currently on a short hiatus while McGehee travels abroad, expect a formal debut sometime in 2020.
Mandatory Listening: Of their two available tracks, “Fashion Cycles” is more antsy and distressed, while “Fast Friends” seeks out grooves that are more measured and melodic. They’re both terrific, but if I had to choose, I’d go with the former. Even as McGehee and Van Valkenburg lay bare their fears and disaffection, there’s something about the group’s wiry adrenaline that’s thrilling, and “Fashion Cycles” sees them pushing their coiled dynamism into an energizing blur.
More Info
Bandcamp: silverlakewaves.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @silverlakewaves
Instagram: @silverlakewaves