Has anyone else been super deep in their feelings lately? There must be something happening astrologically because I’m feeling like I need a hibernation of sorts, where I can wallow in the void with some extractive music to help me process. Fortunately, this new single from demeritbadge was released earlier this month and has made it to the top of my listening list.
To quote the artist’s submission, because it’s so perfectly accurate, Sunspots “…is the soundtrack to withering while everything around you blooms. It’s about living through a situation where you feel like you have to hide your personal struggles.” Lately, it’s been one hit after another, furiously adding to the pile of stress and exhaustion in my brain. Living in late-stage capitalism in the United States makes me painfully over-aware that this is not an original experience, so I know COUNTLESS people can relate to this single and will wholeheartedly enjoy the sparkly guitar sounds and post-punk vibe.
If you’re a fan of Midwest emo, this song will scratch that itch that you inevitably have, though I wouldn’t call this Midwest emo. Some of my favorite music has qualities of a mess of genres, and demeritbadge is no exception. There are hints of post-punk, no-wave, and emo-esque undertones that make this single stand out for me in the music ether as a unique and essential piece of the puzzle.
Some of the lyrics that stick with me the most from Sunspots are:
“Because the heat of the morning / Is gonna take me down at the knees / One hundred eighty degrees / Living life on technicolor screens / Mirage or make believe / This is the happiest place on Earth”
I’m in the process of cutting down on my screen time in hopes of aiding my mental health and subsequent stress, and this was such a great reminder that living in the present is the best way to feel more connected and slow down. Cutting down on that time is easier said than done, especially as someone who works from home, but every second counts!
Stream Sunspots now on all platforms and follow deemeritbadge on socials @demeritbadgeva to show them some love and get the latest updates directly from the source! I personally can’t wait to hear more from them soon and can’t recommend this track enough as an introduction to their sound.
Written by Newt Fangs
