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Happy Wednesday, Finetuners - it’s the first week of 2025! This week we are going to take a deep dive into one of my favorite bands of the last decade or so. This week is all about an alt-emo (with shoegaze sensibilities) group Microwave. Let’s plug into Microwave’s tunes! (Yes, albeit low-hanging fruit, the pun was intended)
Gif by calumheath on Giphy
Who Are Microwave?
Microwave is an American alternative rock/emo band from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 2012. The band consists of Nathan Hardy (lead vox, guitar), Tyler Hill (bass, backing vox), and Timothy "Tito" Pittard (drums). They are known for blending elements of emo, pop punk, and post-hardcore into their music to create a soundscape that leaves a lot of space dynamically. This room allows for emotion, lyricism, and reality to settle a bit over the course of the album listen. Over the years, Microwave has toured extensively, supporting acts like The Wonder Years, letlive., and Motion City Soundtrack - so they keep great company!
Their discography includes four studio albums: Stovall (2014), Much Love (2016), Death Is a Warm Blanket (2019), and Let's Start Degeneracy (2024). I first started listening to these homies back in 2015 with the release of Stoval coming the year prior and the excitement with Much Love’s release right around the corner, which is definitely the record I’ve jammed the most from them.
What To Expect Sonically
These dudes create some really sweet tunes! Prioritizing clarity is something they explore a lot more in 2024’s release, which is a bit of a separation from the heavier fuzz heard in prior LPs. You can expect a bit of lo-fi synth, vocal clarity, clean guitar tones, and a solid backbeat layered beautifully with bass lines for days.
They are often compared to the likes of Citizen, Hot Mulligan, and Tiger’s Jaw but I think the sonic similarities aren’t quite as high as most would say. I would relate their tunes more similar to Dikembe, Movements, and Mat Kerekes. If you enjoy that chill vibe with a bit of an amp-up every now and again, but that also has emotional depth, I urge you to check these dudes out and follow their journey.
Degeneracy Loading…
Microwave's album Let's Start Degeneracy delves into themes of self-discovery, mental health, and personal growth. The title itself is inspired by a conservative politician's 1970s commentary on drugs, reflecting the band's exploration of self-care and happiness. Nathan, the band’s frontman, grew up in a conservative Mormon family and served as a missionary. However, he left the Mormon church at age 22 and has since rebelled against his religious upbringing. This is a touch point for how he approaches songwriting, so there are religious themes for sure.
"Circling the Drain" expresses a sense of jadedness towards societal expectations and the search for personal peace, featuring lines like "I could really give a fuck about anything. I'm just blowing raspberries and circling the drain." | Tracks like "Bored of Being Sad" address the struggle with depression and the desire to break free from negative cycles, with lyrics such as "If you romanticize misery, brother, you're going to be miserable.” |
Overall, the album reflects the band's journey towards enlightenment and self-acceptance, moving away from romanticizing melancholy and embracing a more positive outlook on life. A beautiful moniker I think we can all take moving forward, especially into the new year that seems full of uncertainty for myself, but also for maybe a lot of you, too.
 Let’s Start Degeneracy click the image to listen ⤴️ | Finetuned Rec 👇️I listened to these dudes SO much! This album for me felt like a step in the direction I hope they keep. It’s not a massive progression of sound from prior releases, but I still enjoy listening to this album a bunch. |
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 reply to the newsletter directly or DM me on Twitter. (or email me here: [email protected])
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See you all in the next one! 🙌