by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
The only thing better than one cosmically chaotic psych punk song is two cosmically chaotic psych punk songs, and to that end, Tea Eater and Waltzer are here for us all. With the two projects set to release a split 7” single via A Diamond Heart Production / Amethyst Trax (Symphonic Distribution) in collaboration with La Fam Recordings on September 15th, it’s readily apparent that their sounds compliment each other well, each offering something decidedly unique, delightfully askew, but captivating and of a similar wavelength.
Tea Eater, the Brooklyn based solo effort of Tarra Thiessen (Gustaf, Sharkmuffin) creates without restraint, her songs feel primal and swaggering. There’s an energy and attitude at its core, but the songs clearly don’t take themselves all too seriously. It’s a voyage into the recesses of Thiessen’s scattered thoughts, and it’s generally joyous. “Cosmic Coconut” is loaded with reverberating guitars and synth accompaniment that sounds awash from this planet, like surf rock from another dimension. The song twists between sweetened falsetto and direct verses, the difference pushing and pulling as Tea Eater spiral outward into dense layering.
For Waltzer, the Chicago based project of Sophie Sputnik, there’s a bit more structure, her songs encapsulating both retro pop and garage rock snarl. With blaring sax and speedy dub centric riffs, “Act Like Me” whips itself into a frenzy, a song about influence and expectation, a swelling anthem for doing with your body what you choose and not what others project upon us. It’s kind of funky, letting loose while twisting it’s shape ever so slightly. The video captures the skittish energy of the song terrifically, with Sputnik dancing across open fields, power line towers, and inflatable pools.
Together, the song’s bring out the finer moments in each other, impassioned songs with a loose resolve. The bands are headed out on tour together next week, complete dates can be found below.
TOUR DATES:
9/19 - Brooklyn, NY @ Alphaville w/ Tetchy & Heavy Halo
9/21 - Providence, RI @ Lost Bag w/ Scaffolding
9/22 - Jersey City, NJ @ Art House w/ The Vaughns and Cantations
9/23 - Baltimore, MD @ Joe Squared w/ Adjective Animal & $100 Girlfriend
9/24 - Asheville, NC @ Fleetwoods w/ Floral Hygienists
9/25 - Atlanta, GA @ 529 w/ Fun isn’t Fair & Ugly Joy
9/26 - Athens, GA @ Flicker Theatre w/ Commune & Honey Puppy
9/27 - Charlotte, NC @ Snug Harbor w/ Lofidels & Paint Fumes (DJ)
9/28 - Cincinnati, OH @ The Comet w/ Future Wife
9/29 - Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle w/ Edit McKenna & Trak Qwn (DJ)