Based out of New York City, Been Stellar is a band whose sound is reminiscent of some of the best periods of rock. With loud electric guitars, driving drums, and a cool energy, the band combine early 2000s New York rock with a modern twist, resulting in a sound that reminds listeners that rock is here to stay.
Their newest single “Pumpkin” is no different. It’s a moody and scrappy song about people growing closer and further apart. “[The lyrics] stemmed from a visual I had: an apartment light shining through its windows out onto a street at night. I imagined the people inside the apartment crossing back and forth in front of the window. From there, the lyrics I wrote formed a vignette of the people in the apartment, sharing a space together. I described several shared, intimate moments from my own life— I wanted to get as specific as I could” shared frontman Sam Slocum in a statement. These visuals are highlighted in the “Pumpkin” music video, eliciting a somber, nostalgic feel.
“This song is somewhat of a sonic departure for us — it’s definitely more subdued,” says Slocum, and the band weren’t initially sure that the song would make it onto the album for this reason. Nevertheless, I’m sure that listeners would agree that the band made the right choice in keeping it. Even though “Pumpkin” takes on a new sonic direction, it has all of the elements that make Been Stellar’s music so captivating. Slocum’s vocals glide over the steady beat provided by drummer Laila Wayans and bassist Nico Brunstein, while guitarists Nando Dale and Skyler Knapp work their electric magic.
Been Stellar’s debut album, Scream From New York, NY comes out June 21. The band are currently touring in the UK, and just announced their return to Europe later in the year, playing extensively across Europe and the UK. They will also be touring across North America in the fall with Fontaines D.C. You can catch them in Philly at the Fillmore on October 20. For more information, check out WXPN’s Concert Calendar.