Written by Annie Barber
Photos by Bryan Lasky
Hailing from Boston, Future Teens describe their own music as ‘bummer pop’. Their latest album, ‘Still Life’, slots nicely into that category, with its songs touching on bad luck with love, rifts in friendships, personal struggles, and grapples with grief. At just 10 tracks long (or short), the album confronts the complexities of being human head on, and it makes for one hell of a listen.
The album opens with ‘Half Loser’, with a spluttering intro and alternative indie-rock sound. Its lyrics lament life’s transitions, with lead singer Amy Hoffman repeating the line “I don’t wanna be a loser again” throughout. The song is unflinchingly honest and a testament to the band’s ability to wear their hearts on their sleeves.
‘Unmade Bed’ is a touching tribute. The song charts Hoffman’s experience of grieving a loved one. Central to the song are feelings of guilt and regret, and more specifically, the feeling that you could have done more for someone before they passed away. The band puts into words this universal experience, soundtracking it with contrasting upbeat guitar.
‘Adjust Failure’ has punk-rock undertones with loud electric guitar and heavy drums. The song is about searching for purpose and meaning in life, and lines like “Did I say the quiet part? / Too much or too loud?” perfectly sum up the band’s signature sincere writing style.
Things slow down for ‘Double Down’, a contemplative and guitar-driven track about identity. The laid-back sound continues with ‘Mourning Time’. The song is vocal-led at the beginning but things begin to pick up half way through before coming to an explosive end.
‘A Win’s a Win’ is a poetic and thoughtful track with layered guitars. Lyrics such as “Someone said, “surrender’s not submission” / So I guess letting go is just giving in” showcase the group’s storytelling and astute observation skills. ‘Bad Faith’ is a punchy and abrasive track in which the band let loose about people who lack empathy and hide behind their beliefs to warrant bad treatment of others. It is indulgently mean and makes for a great listen.
‘Sleep Loss’ is a stripped back track with vulnerable lyrics that seem like they have been plucked right out of a diary entry. Things ramp up for ‘Harm Production’, a rocky and expansive song about recovering from addiction. It spirals in the second half, with the music cascading as the chorus is repeated over and over. The track’s sound perfectly mirrors its message: healing is never linear.
Final and title track ‘Still Life’ starts off with finger-plucked guitar, making for a peaceful and reflective vibe. The song builds up to a crescendo before reverting back to a more relaxed sound, as the lead singer utters the words “It’s new to want to practice staying / Long enough to be part of the changes / Of a still life / Of a still life.” It is the perfect way to end the album, by reminding listeners that the simple act of living is an act of rebellion in itself.
Future Teens’ fifth album is wonderfully vulnerable, honest, and self-deprecating. There’s a song on this album for everyone, which reminds listeners that no matter how alone you think you are in your experiences, there is always someone else going through the same thing. Future Teens tap into those universal moments, creating intense relatability on ‘Still Life’.
The album is available to pre-order and pre-save now, ahead of its release on May 8th. Make sure to catch the band at their album launch event at Boston Newbury Comics, taking place on the album’s release date, and see them live on tour with Snarls:
June 20- Philadelphia, PA @ Ukie Club
June 21- Brooklyn, NY @ Baby’s All Right
June 23- Columbus, OH @ Ace Of Cups
June 24- Nashville, TN @ The End
June 25- Indianapolis, IN @ Hoosier Dome
June 26- Chicago, IL @ Cobra Lounge
June 27- Detroit, MI @ Pike Room
July 8- Boston, MA @ Deep Cuts
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