Channel (Can’t Handle) is the 2nd single in 2025 from Milwaukee dreampop / shoegaze band SSAANN.
The band comprises Melissa Simes (lead vocals/synth), Jack Lundeen (guitar), Tori Yocum (bass), and Ransom Nyhart (drums).
A distant laugh starts the song, and we dive into a sea of lush pads and reverb. The kick, an ever-present heartbeat. A simple chord progression is the backbone of the track, as melodies swoop and glide over it.
Melissa’s vocals are so smooth and lush that at times it feels more like a pad, adding to the dreamlike atmosphere. Subtle at first, later more apparent, the vocal is gated so that it stutters and pulsates in a way that feels percussive. The lyrics, mostly just out of reach, seem to come into focus with the line “All I know is I feel alive”.
Ransom’s drums slowly build as the song progresses, but they never disturb the calm, tranquil waters.
The band writes: “Channel is about diving into the unknown…Nothing lasts forever; tomorrow is a new day. There is light after the darkness, darkness after the light.”
The track certainly feels otherworldly, and as it slowly fades away, we wonder – is this a dream? Are we floating in space? Quite possibly.
Channel (Can’t Handle) is out now.
Written by Grubby
