Sheer Mag's new album, Playing Favorites, embodies a sweetened gratitude for life's blessings, from the serendipity of punk beginnings to the complexities of love and loss. The band originally conceived a tight 4-song disco EP as a follow-up to their acclaimed 2019 release, A Distant Call. However, inspired by collective experiences of navigating life's hardships, they soon realized the material demanded a broader canvas.

Guitarist Matt Palmer reflected on the genesis of the project, stating, "Those initial songs emerged from a turbulent period, a quest to find joy amidst sorrow." This sentiment paved the way for a transformative exploration, resulting in a fully-fledged rock LP characterized by diverse emotional landscapes and sonic textures.

Over six months, spanning fall 2022 to winter 2023, guitarist Kyle Seely and bassist Hart Seely meticulously crafted the instrumentals, refining the album's acoustic palette through multi-session recordings. Reuniting with vocalist Tina Halladay in Philadelphia the following spring, the band explored lyrical themes of existential introspection and intricate harmonies, marking a departure from their previous work.

Halladay reflects on the evolution, sharing, "Our earlier records felt like personal revelations, but with Playing Favorites, I feel a sense of growth and liberation, exploring themes I couldn't have imagined years ago."

The new album showcases Sheer Mag's musical maturation, reaching cinematic heights with tracks like "Mechanical Garden," seamlessly transitioning from glam theatrics to psychedelic interludes, culminating in soulful disco-pop featuring a guest solo by acclaimed Nigerian guitarist, Mdou Moctar. Balancing this grandeur are power-pop anthems and emotionally resonant choruses, emphasizing the band's commitment to timeless songwriting. Halladay affirms, "We're bringing back the essence of rock bangers, putting catchy hooks at the forefront."