MAGNET first got here throughout Unusual Neighbors by the use of their 2023 single, “Quiet Beat,” a superbly executed rendition of a misplaced monitor written by late Gin Blossoms guitarist/cofounder Doug Hopkins. Unusual Neighbors bassist Dana Bennewitz is Hopkins’ niece, and her band has definitely inherited his power-pop sensibilities. There’s additionally a giddy performance-art vibe that informs the brand new Individuals Pleasers Pleasing Individuals (Mint 400). Plenty of that comes courtesy of singer Aidan Unusual, a former musical-theater child, complemented by drummer Beau Valentine’s personal offbeat model of showmanship. And guitarist Zach Schweikert’s desire for the 12-string guitar is a large a part of the band’s “fizzy” Gen Z tackle ’80s faculty rock.
Unusual Neighbors unpack their newest launch beneath.
—Hobart Rowland
1) “Crush”
Schweikert: “The thought for ‘Crush’ got here from Chappell Roan. My girlfriend Natalie is a large fan, so we went to see her at Brooklyn Metal in October 2023. I actually assume she’s only a terrific songwriter in how she will be able to write these very particular songs about her life and experiences, however the feelings they evoke are common. This was my type of try at writing only a straight pop track, with the riff and the call-and-response factor.”
2) “With out A Head”
Schweikert: “You wouldn’t be capable to inform by the completed recording, however this track began off as a rustic tune within the vein of John Prine, one among my favourite songwriters. Musically, I feel it’s one of many extra bold songs we’ve written and, dare say, essentially the most Beatle-esque. I’ve had the little outro solo in my again pocket for years, and I used to be glad to lastly discover a place for it on this tune. Aidan additionally got here up with the outro lyrics, which tie up the track tremendous properly.”
3) “Retrograde”
Schweikert: “I bear in mind auditioning Beau for the band with this one. It’s a kind of circumstances the place I had the completely different chord buildings kicking round for a very long time and ultimately mashed just a few issues collectively to make a track. Lyrically, this track is somewhat bit cryptic. I feel it’s one thing about attempting to determine who you might be but additionally being OK with not likely figuring out … or some deep emo shit like that. Sonically, the track owes loads to the Replacements. Aidan’s little grunt noise firstly is straight out of ‘Unhappy.’”
4) “You Acquired Love”
Unusual: “You’re in a kind of relationships that simply isn’t going properly and also you’re like, ‘Look, if this or that doesn’t change, I feel I’m going to interrupt up with you.’ That dialog retains taking place, after which lastly, once you go away them, they all of a sudden take you severely. They thought you wouldn’t go, and now they know the right way to change and may say the belongings you needed to listen to. Nevertheless it’s simply so deliberately too late. ‘You Acquired Love’ is talking from that relationship.”
5) “Silk And Cyanide”
Bennewitz: “I learn the memoir Between Silk And Cyanide: A Codemaker’s Battle, 1941-1945 by Leo Marks and at all times needed to put in writing a track about it. The lyrics went by means of a number of revisions earlier than I revisited Killing Eve and settled on an enemies-to-lovers narrative. It lastly got here collectively when the band was jamming on the chords that ultimately grew to become the verse. I biked residence from apply and completed the track that evening. I needed to emulate a Chilly Battle spy sound—one thing like Messer Chups or Unloved—and the band did a fantastic job capturing these parts whereas additionally maintaining it sparkly.”
6) “Hate Me Much less”
Unusual: “Whereas scripting this, I used to be reflecting on a breakup I used to be pushing aside ending for a lot too lengthy. Ultimately, it grew to become a track about recollections, remorse, feeling messy and, finally, hope—however from a wholesome distance.”
7) “Influencer”
Unusual: “The discourse round influencers is so goddamned ridiculous and embarrassing, however you actually can’t keep away from them—so it’s practically unimaginable to stop them from shaping your views. We’re attempting to ‘affect’ folks to hearken to our music each day. How we do this morally and actually is one thing we speak about. I feel it’s tremendous enjoyable to have a catchy little ditty about such an enormous subject … poking it, peeling the pores and skin again somewhat bit, having a little bit of a assume—and a dance.”
8) “Beer At The Bar”
Valentine: “This track holds such a particular place in my coronary heart. I take into consideration all my queer and trans associates who’re terrified concerning the uncertainty of our existence in America proper now—and the way I simply need to drag everybody out to the bar in order that they know they’re not alone. We’re nonetheless out in public present and preventing aspect by aspect. Aidan and I speak loads about mitigating the despair of the information on-line by going out and being locally with others, even when that appears like being scared over a pair pints.”
9) “Wherever We Fall”
Unusual: “This track is a reminder that there actually are not any adults. We’re all simply kids working round this earth making messes, attempting to have enjoyable and looking for solutions. It’s a reminder that relinquishing the thought of management and superiority is the one actual possibility for us all in the long run. Wherever we fall, we fall—and at the very least at some point of this track, that needs to be OK.”
10) “Your Final”
Unusual: “This could be the primary comfortable love track I’ve ever written. It sounds asinine, however ‘Your Final’ virtually wrote itself—which is one more reason it’s so bizarre. It got here out so nation. I assume it was meant to be that approach—and it provides to the sweetness and campiness. Plus, if anybody has nation music working of their veins, it’s Zach, Dana and Beau.”
See Unusual Neighbors reside.
