The solo project of former Jester frontman Tommy Trautwein, Well Kept bills itself as a hybrid of emo and alternative rock. In listening to the project’s new single, however, the reality seems more nuanced. “Meantime” features Trautwein posing anxious questions about adulthood alongside the interplay of sparkling guitars and big drums. His lyrics exist in the liminal space between states—the meantime, in other words, of shifting plans, waiting rooms, and fading relationships. During the refrain, Trautwein muses, “and all my friends are in the hospital / sleeping off their daily dose / I saw you there in the corridor / shaking hands with your ghost,” as the song sinks into the deep end of growing up.
“‘Meantime’ is a song that is close to my heart, written about the struggle of close relationships phasing out and all the confusing and conflicting feelings that may go along with that,” Trautwien says. “[It] was brought to life with the help of some of my best mates in the whole world, and we are so happy that it’s finally yours to hear.”
What makes this song so interesting is how deftly it mixes the conventions of alternative and indie rock. Throughout the track, Well Kept bounce between the polished croon of the Killers, the philosophical rock of SUSTO, and the frantic guitar squall of Sonic Youth. While “Meantime” wrestles with feelings of impermanence, it’s stirring questions, inventive arrangement, and studio sheen will keep it rolling around your playlist.
Listen below.
“Meantime” is the lead single from Well Kept’s forthcoming debut, due out in 2020.
Well Kept will perform on Thu., Dec. 12 at Caledonia Lounge alongside Nordista Freeze and Crybaby. Doors open at 8 p.m. Admission is $8 for 21+ or $10 for 18-20. 18+ to enter.
More Info
Bandcamp: wellkeptmusic.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @wellkeptmusic
SoundCloud: @wellkeptmusic