Get Well Soon

Welcome back to Finetuned! Back again, oh, but of course. This week is all about a super hot fire emo/pop punk group, Savings! Let’s get stuck in, lads.

Who Are Savings?

Savings is an emo/pop-punk band hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Initially a solo project by frontman Sam Wilmot, the band evolved into a full-fledged group by 2023. They draw inspiration from early 2000s emo and pop-punk acts like Hot Mulligan, Free Throw, and Movements, blending these influences with elements of Midwest emo and nu-punk to create emotionally charged, hook-laden music.

I think that their tunes fit perfectly into what you all can see as a vibe throughout the various editions of Finetuned. Their tunes are def a bit more on the “punk” side of things, so expect very straight-forward sounds that aren’t outlandish or weird in execution. I wanted to give a bit more “normalcy” with some of the more “odd” recs recently!

What To Expect Sonically

Savings’ sonic structure is a dynamic blend of emo “revival” sensibilities, pop-punk urgency (aka, high tempo), and post-hardcore edge (distortion, both vocally and instrumentally). Their instrumentation often juxtaposes jangly, melancholic guitar leads with explosive, distortion-heavy riffs that crash in like emotional waves. The band leans into a raw and cathartic production style with vocals often left slightly unpolished, teetering between melodic hooks and impassioned yells, which adds a layer of vulnerability and immediacy, that is truly evident. Rhythmic shifts and tempo changes are a hallmark of their sound, giving their songs a feeling of unpredictability that mirrors the emotional highs and lows they write about.

Underneath the high energy and distortion, there's a calculated melodic core. Savings doesn't just chase volume and try to create noise, they’re methodical about building tension and release (a monumental musical element, dynamic narration). Clean arpeggios and noodling, math-y guitar lines often open tracks before detonating into full-band crescendos. Drums play a pivotal role, oscillating between tight, syncopated grooves and driving, punk-style blasts. Basslines, while often tucked into the mix, provide a grounding sense of depth and movement. Together, these elements create a soundscape that feels both intimate and anthemic, like the soundtrack to late-night drives and emotional unspooling.

One Track At A Time

Our rec this week was released on June 30, 2023! Get Well Soon is a five-track EP that delves deep into themes of emotional turmoil, heartbreak, and the struggle for self-healing. The EP is noted for its candid and cathartic exploration of personal struggles, resonating with listeners through its vulnerable lyricism and soaring choruses. ​

Some of the sonic highlights align with how the EP opens. It all starts with a blend of soft tones, gentle air, but dissonant guitars, which truly sets the tone of dismay and hopelessness that is sort of echoed lyrically. The lyrics reflect a desire to escape past traumas and not return to previous states of despair. ​

Overall, Get Well Soon serves as a sonic diary for us all, I’d say.

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])

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! 🙌