Stepping into the punk side of their sound, “Ouch, Oh Shit” is the latest single from Massachusetts folk-punk duo High Tea, formed by Isabella DeHerdt and Isaac Elliot. It leads their forthcoming album A Small Notion, slated for release on September 6, 2025.
“This song is about the voices in our head and how much they love to tell us all we’re messing up or making wrong decisions,” the duo explains. “But we’re not, we’re doing our best and we all deserve love and trust in ourselves and our intuition.”
It’s a track that punches you with honesty, humor, and a surprisingly danceable energy, filled with anxiety. There’s a wry intimacy here, like a conversation with the parts of yourself that scoff and worry. Think The Front Bottoms at their most raw and self-aware.
Lyrically, it’s a tug-of-war between self-criticism and surreal wit. From self-reprimanding lines like “I’m not trying hard enough” to absurd yet cutting quips such as “I care so much I’m gonna eat my hair,” High Tea balances vulnerability and absurdity in a way that feels both relatable and theatrical. Humor becomes a shield, but one that leaves the heart visible.
By the end, the song’s refrain transforms. “Ouch, Oh Shit” shifts from an anxious exclamation into a rallying cry, an encouraging reminder to keep going, even when things get messy.
Sonically, “Ouch, Oh Shit” is a danceable indie-rock anthem; its bubbly guitars, warm production, and punk-leaning drive make it immediately catchy. The arrangement builds momentum with a light touch, making the track as infectious as it is cathartic.
“Ouch, Oh Shit” proves High Tea can turn self-doubt into something celebratory, a song that makes you laugh through the pain and dance through the panic.
Written by Joshua Cotrim
