Chicago’s Stuck has finally returned with the new LP ‘Optimizer‘, and it’s a twitchy post-punk masterclass that feels like being pleasantly electrocuted. Released via our friends at Exploding In Sound Records, this album proves the band hasn’t lost their knack for making “stressful” music sound like an absolute blast. Greg Obis’s vocals carry that perfect “I’ve had four espressos and just saw a mounting pile of bills” energy—tight, angular, and rhythmically obsessed. Honestly, the songwriting is so precise that you could say they really stuck the landing on this one; it’s the kind of record that makes you want to reorganize your entire kitchen while vibrating at a high frequency.
The tracklist is a minefield of hooks, but “Instakill” and “Totally Vexed” are absolute standouts that showcase their ability to turn paranoia into a genuine groove. Then there’s “Deadlift,” a track that carries so much sonic weight you’ll feel like you’re doing the heavy lifting yourself just by listening. Even the more atmospheric moments like “GG” feel like they are coiled and ready to strike at any moment. It’s an album that manages to be both intellectually stimulating and physically exhausting in the best way possible, proving that the band has truly optimized their sound since their last outing.
It’s hard to believe it’s been a little over three years since I caught them at Cactus Club here in Milwaukee. Frankly, three years is far too long an intermission for a band this electric, and I’m more than ready for a repeat performance. My calendar is open, my earplugs are ready, and I’m itching to see these new tracks played live because they are a high-voltage act that truly amplifies the room. Let’s hope a Milwaukee return is in the cards soon. We’re all ready.
Links of interest:
https://www.instagram.com/stuck.chi/
https://stuckchi.bandcamp.com/album/optimizer
https://www.explodinginsoundrecords.com/products/872665-stuck-optimizer