Boston’s Future Teens have returned with ‘Still Life’, and it’s basically the musical equivalent of finding out your favorite thrift store shirt finally fits again. Released on Take This To Heart Records, this album proves that while the “bummer pop” pioneers Daniel Radin and Amy Hoffman are staring down their thirties, they still know how to turn a quarter-life crisis into a three-minute masterpiece. It’s a polished, expansive record that feels like a group hug for people who enjoy overthinking their life choices in the cereal aisle.
The tracklist is a goldmine of relatable misery wrapped in sugary melodies. “Half Loser” kicks things off with the kind of self-deprecating energy that makes you want to high-five your own reflection while crying just a little bit. Then there’s “Harm Production,” which sees the band leaning into a grittier sound that perfectly captures the feeling of wanting to punch your own bad habits. For those of us who haven’t slept since 2014, “Sleep Loss” is an anthem that celebrates the absolute joy of staring at the ceiling and wondering why you said “you too” to the waiter.
When it’s all said and done, ‘Still Life’ is a victory lap for a band that has spent years perfecting the art of being vulnerable and joyfully sad. Whether you’re listening on vinyl or screaming along at a show, it’s clear that Future Teens are the undisputed champions of writing mental health bangers. It’s an album that tells you it’s okay to be a mess, as long as you have a catchy chorus to help you through it. Grab your headphones and get ready for a total emotional joyride.
Links of interest:
https://www.instagram.com/futureteensusa/
https://futureteens.bandcamp.com/album/still-life
https://takethistoheartrecords.com/artist/future-teens/