chokecherry’s debut EP, Messy Star, out October 25, 2024, via Fearless Records is a dazzling explosion of sound and emotion that captures the raw and ethereal energy of alternative rock through a distinctly grunge-infused lens. The San Francisco trio—composed of Izzie A. Clark, E. Scarlett Levinson, and Abri Crocitto—deliver a potent blend of shoegaze haze, biting pop sensibilities, and distorted fuzz, crafting a five-track journey that feels simultaneously grounded and otherworldly.
The EP opens with “No Other Place,” a track that pulls you into chokecherry’s sonic landscape with dreamy, reverb-laden guitar riffs and lyrics that paint vivid images of escapism and belonging. Izzie’s voice swims in the mix, floating just above Scarlett’s thick, rumbling bass lines. As the song crescendos, Abri’s drumming becomes more frenetic, laying the groundwork for the emotionally charged world they’re inviting listeners to explore.
In “Afterglow,” the trio dives deeper into their grunge roots, blending distorted guitar riffs with melodic hooks that are undeniably catchy. The song pulses with a restless energy, capturing the feeling of a late-night drive through empty city streets. Izzie and Scarlett’s vocal interplay feels almost conversational, creating a visceral connection that elevates the track to new heights.
The title track, “Messy Star,” is a standout moment on the EP. It's here, where chokecherry balances their pop tendencies with spoken word and gritty shoegaze influences, layering dazey ambient textures over a steady, driving beat. There’s a palpable tension as the song builds and releases, echoing the push and pull of the emotions conveyed within the song's lyrics. Izzie’s haunting voice, becomes an instrument in itself, harmonizing with Scarlett’s bass lines in a way that feels both chaotic and controlled.
“I Know You” slows things down a tad, allowing for a reflective moment within the EP’s sonic landscape. The song unfolds delicately, with sun-soaked guitar strums with a soft yet steady drum beat supporting Izzie’s introspective lyrics. The band’s California roots shine through here, as summery melodies meet moments of melancholic intensity as the song comes to an end, the band uses a chaotic tempo change, before slowing it down once again.
The EP closes with the massive hard rock number, “Mirror Mirror,” a track that showcases chokecherry’s ability to blend genres seamlessly. The song begins with a crushing and haunting guitar riff that eventually gives way to a full-throttle grunge chorus, all the while maintaining an air of mystery. It’s a fitting end to Messy Star, encapsulating the tension, introspection, and unabashed energy that define the band.
Throughout Messy Star, chokecherry demonstrates an impressive command of their influences while carving out a space that feels uniquely their own. They draw from a rich tapestry of sounds—from the fuzzed-out distortion of My Bloody Valentine to the emotional candor of Nirvana—yet their music never feels derivative. Instead, it’s a refreshing take on familiar genres, delivered with an authenticity that’s rare to find in a debut.
In their own words, chokecherry creates music that aims to make listeners feel less alone, and with Messy Star, they achieve just that. The EP resonates with a deep, unfiltered honesty, capturing the messy beauty of human emotion in a way that feels both personal and universal. As the trio continues to evolve, it’s clear that they’re a force to be reckoned with in the world of alternative rock and shoegaze. Messy Star is a stunning debut that promises even greater things to come.
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