Special Explosion//Teen Suicide Spotlight

On February 28th, Teen Suicide headlined a show at Eclectic, with openers Sorority Noise and Special Explosion. The second opener, Special Explosion, is the group I was most excited for, having seen them in advance, and the group, fresh off of their recent EP release The Art of Mothering, did not disappoint. Their chill indie vibe translated well to a live setting, as the whole crowd was into the appreciative head-bobbing that their music brings. They played my favorite of their tracks, “Clotheslined” (the stellar single off of the new release) towards the end of their set, as well as “Lifeguard”, a laidback guitar jam from their previous EP. The Seattle-based band, which describes its sound as “dreamo rock” was started by siblings Andy and Lizzy Costello, and rounded out by Jacob Winiham (drums), and Sebastian Deramat (guitar). While they feature some killer guitar riffs in many of their songs, it doesn’t come close to overpowering the male/female dueling harmonies from Andy and Lizzy. Check out their new EP – they have “Clotheslined” up for free download folks – and enjoy. Favorite song: Clotheslined

            Following Special Explosion was the headliner, teen suicide. The Maryland band, formed in 2010, stakes its claim in soft emo pop, and is quite good at it. After breaking up in 2012, they reformed in the past year as their current iteration: Sam Ray, Alec Simke, Brian Sumner, and John Toohey. Having never heard them before, I came away impressed (also depressed, but their music kind of demands that) from what I heard – music and lyrics steeped in sadness, but in a simple, stripped-down way, that helps to make the songs what they are. Recommended for fans of Fences.

All in all, some well-spent time at Eclectic.  Show all three bands some love on social media.