Debonair musical chefs Woody and Jeremy offer up a full course sonic feast on their sophomore release, Gravy in My Coffee. Recorded with a band of Chicagoan instrumentalists, the 10-track project sees the tandem share composer and lyricism duties for the first time, resulting in a psychedelic melting pot of punk, funk, and indie rock.
Smothered in rich helpings of fuzzy distortion, the album kickstarts with “Rolling in the Basement” and “LA Drivers”. Two buoyant examples of the duo’s tongue-in-cheek lyrical cynicism that adds levity to the oft bleak outlooks of the world around them.
While the album continues on a rolling bassline, disco-licked trajectory, things take a dynamic change of pace on “Closed Eyes” and “Feet of a God”. Dimming the lights and shutting the blinds, these hazy cuts showcase a poignant diversity in songwriting and instrumentation, reminiscent of Soccer Mommy or Radiohead’s seventh LP, In Rainbows.
Returning to their rambunctious instrumental delivery on “My Old Bassist,” the pair crank a staccato guitar riff and shimmering tambourine beat, describing a heart-warming yet tumultuous relationship with a former bandmate in a satirical, light-hearted context.
Slowing things down once again for the album closing, lone-rider ballad “She’s A Stone,” Woody and Jeremy conclude Gravy in My Coffee on a sombre note, solidifying a bold approach to eclectic storytelling.
While at times vast in aural scope, the duo’s distinct whit and earnest lyricism, holds firm across the project, delivering a sobering take on indie rock that should give fans of various musical flavours, something to bite into.
Gravy in My Coffee is out now on Spotify and Bandcamp.
Follow Woody and Jeremy’s musings on Instagram.
Saint Audio 