Finding inspiration in the classic sound of the Pixies and Nirvana, WATERS make a solid impression with the first single from their upcoming album, Something More! The powerful chords of “Hiccups” certainly pay tribute to grunge greats, but closer ties can be made with modern bands like Grouplove and Weezer.
This single is the first new work from the band since frontman Van Pierszalowski split from his independent project, Port O’Brien.
WATERS started to spark the interest of major music publications in 2014 just before the release of their sophomore album, What’s Real. Full of angsty riffs and bashing drums, the album showcases the versatility of the power pop four-piece. Three years later, and WATERS has grown from screaming “I don’t wanna get over it” to seeing the upsides of their own mistakes. “Hiccups” is a modern, hyped-up take on a classic sound. While not completely original, the band is clearly confident in its remastering of alternative rock.
It seems like this single was designed for teenage ears. “I wanted to make a record that could act like a mixtape for my 16-year-old self,” Pierszalowski wrote in a passionate Facebook post announcing the new album. “Hiccups” is a synth-infused reassertion of the same WATERS sound.
In addition to its head-bopping beat, “Hiccups” has a chorus that deserves to be screamed at the top of eager young fans’ lungs in the crowd of a general admission concert venue. Pierszalowski wants to tell his teenage self, “It actually doesn’t get a ton better, you just have to figure out how to live with it all.” After a trying year, this is the message of resilience we need to hear.
Something More! drops May 19. Check out “Hiccups” below!