by Niccolo Dante Porcello (@chromechompsky)
Chelsea Ursin’s project Banana is preparing to release a new tape via the too often overlooked Anxiety Pop Records. “Alpha,” the first single off of their new record Die Alone Pt. 2, is a revenge fueled remembrance of a bad relationship dominated by (the titularly referenced) toxic masculinity. Ursin wastes no time in establishing this — the first chorus crashes in after only 50 seconds: “you alpha piece of shit/ you alpha piece of shit/ you alpha piece of shit”. Accompanied by caterwauling guitar and a forceful rhythm section “Alpha”’s chorus is grunge adjacent, buffered by its simple refrain.
In the verses of “Alpha” Ursin, accompanied by Ryan Higgins on guitar and Justin Cole on drums for this release, recalls the history behind her ire: “never let me drive my own car anywhere/ I let you tell me what to do for a couple years”. “Alpha” puts shitty dudes on blast in the form on an excellent rock song, a genre evergreen in relevance. Banana excel in this format. With Ursin’s bass leading the way and Higgins and Cole following along, “Alpha” maintains a relentless energy that serves it well, keeping the concise song tight and clean. It is a format that stays consistent throughout Die Alone Pt. 2, and makes for a remarkably good tape, poignant, loud, and light on its feet.
Banana's Die Alone Pt. 2 is out October 6th via Anxiety Pop Records.
Upcoming Shows:
10/06 - Allston, MA @ The Burrow w/ Horse Girl, Kiss Concert & Nice Guys (record release)
10/07 - Rollinsford, NH @ Sue's w/ Black Norse, Gash & Kiss Concert
10/13 - Easthampton, MA
10/14 - Philadelphia, PA
11/17 - New Haven, CT
11/18 - Brooklyn, NY @ The Gutter w/ Anna Altman, Thanks For Coming, & No One & The Somebodies
11/19 - Boston, MA @ O'Brien's w/ Thrust Club & more