Can't Believe It's Not Butter

Wait, no its butter

Welcome back to Finetuned! This week is all about It’s Butter! This group knows how to write tunes that really get ya groovin’. Even though they seemingly do not make tunes anymore, they have made “enough” to keep my head rocking for years to come.

It’s Butter is a Los Angeles–based alt-rock duo/trio fronted by singer‑guitarist-songwriter Britta Raci (an unbelievably talented individual). The band emerged around 2016–2017 when Raci began collaborating with drummer Diego Patino and bassist Johnnie Gilmore, developing their signature blend of indie‑rock, neo‑soul, funk, and punk-infused energy. Their name cheekily clarifies “we are a band, not a food”, which is obviously a nod to their playful yet grounded persona. Based in Hollywood, they’ve carved out a niche by crafting upbeat, vibrant tracks designed to uplift listeners, especially those dealing with anxiety.

The core lineup typically includes Raci on guitar and vocals, Gilmore on bass, and Patino on drums, though they shift between duo and trio formats. Since debuting, It’s Butter has released a series of singles and EPs, culminating in their emotionally-charged 2020 EP Not Feeling Human, which marked a maturation in both thematic depth and musical exploration. Unfortunately, since the release of “Still In Love” back in 2022, they haven’t released anything else. 🥹 

Their sonic palette is one that I would classify as a vibrant fusion of indie-rock, neo‑soul, funk, jazz, and punk. That said, there is definitely a vibe with which each song offers something fresh and unexpected. They lean heavily on groove‑driven rhythms and staccato chord progressions, often weaving in psychedelic guitar textures and off‑kilter melodic twists. This combination creates a sound that’s both joyful and layered. “Happy music for anxious people” is how AltAngeles put it.

Tracks like “Drugs” showcase their ability to blend lighthearted-sounding instrumentation with darker undercurrents. They employ psychedelic guitar riffs that mimic the false highs of substance use, while the rhythm section stays tight and funky. Across the EP, they experiment with dynamics and pacing, from mellow to full‑throttle, creating a dichotomy that adds complexity beneath their upbeat surface. The result is a refreshingly unpredictable sound that keeps listeners engaged and moving through emotional highs and lows (It’s addicting to listen to).

The EP dives headfirst into mental‑health territory (I know… shocking for Finetuned 🙄), exploring self-acceptance, anxiety, and emotional recovery. Lyrics are very candid, like in “Can’t Be Too Hard on Myself,” Raci admits early morning strangeness and self-critique: “I woke up feeling strange…don’t they know I go to therapy?”. while encouraging healing and self‑forgiveness. “Drugs” wrestles with the lure of using substances to cope, exposing vulnerability beneath its groovy surface.

Why spin the record? Not Feeling Human serves as an empathetic, honest listen for anyone navigating mental-health challenges. The lyrics resonate and the music itself is irresistibly groovy, mixing thoughtful songwriting with compelling rhythms and textures. It’s uplifting and introspective at once: a rare blend that both moves your body and comforts your mind.

Not Feeling Human
It’s Butter

Listen Wherever You Are⤵️ 

Finetuned Rec 👇️

Get to grooving, get to singing. Don’t just stop at this EP either! They have a few other singles that really round out their listening experience and I highly rec you just dive in.
Enjoy the jams, Finetuners!

album rating - 9.2/10
fave track - Drugs
hon. men. #1 - Can’t Be Too Hard…
hon. men. #2 - Too Fast

Thanks for reading here, Finetuners! I do hope you all have enjoyed this week’s Finetuned. I’d appreciate any insights, admiration, or otherwise. You can email me here: [email protected].

Please do share Finetuned with your friends & fam & whoever else! I believe great music should be shared, cherished, and understood from all sorts of perspectives.

See you all in the next one! 🙌