In creating Still Love, Teenage Wrist borrowed vintage gear, brought in friends from 311 and Softcult, and incorporated tasteful pop sensibilities to craft a set of songs that redefines the band’s sound while staying true to their guitar-driven roots.
Teenage Wrist remains an enigma to define, a band consistently shape-shifting their sound over the course of the past eight years. Now, their metamorphosis reaches its zenith with their third studio album, Still Love. Marshall Gallagher (vocalist, guitarist, bassist) and Anthony Salazar (drums, vocalist, percussion) have taken the reins, producing an expansive masterpiece from scratch, propelling their artistry to new heights.
The genesis of this sonic expedition traces back to early 2022, within the serene confines of Joshua Tree National Park, just a few hours drive from their Los Angeles homebase. It was here that Gallagher and Salazar began sowing the seeds of what would burgeon into this remarkable collection. "We carved out a cozy nook and created an isolated haven," Gallagher recounts. "Our living room transformed into a sonic laboratory where we embraced uncharted territories." This audacious spirit reverberates throughout, transcending not only the music but also its visual and sensory components.
Absorbing Still Love is a journey from the atmospheric haze of "Sunshine," which Gallagher proudly claims to have his greatest riff ever, to the rhythmic swagger of "Dark Sky," boasting a guest appearance by none other than Doug "SA" Martinez, the voice and turntablist of 311. For those craving the allure of distorted guitars and robust chords, this album will undoubtedly satiate your hunger.
The intrinsic synergy between Gallagher and Salazar catalyzes their audacious sonic explorations, forging beyond the confines of nostalgia. "Our dynamic is a constant quest for musical discovery; irritation doesn't stand a chance," muses Salatzar. Their symbiotic partnership forms the heart of their sonic voyage, palpable in every heartbeat of the album. Gallagher's reflection on the outcome is telling: "An elusive sentiment from my musical youth has surfaced, an achievement I've longed for. We trusted our instincts, sidestepped overanalysis, and let the music speak for itself."
Still Love is more than an album; it's an odyssey of self-discovery, a tribute to uninhibited expression, and a testament to the boundless frontiers of creativity. Teenage Wrist has not just crafted a collection of songs; they've woven a tapestry of emotion and innovation that defies easy categorization.