Cheekface - “When Life Hands You Problems”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 3

Pairs Well With…Cake, Talking Heads, They Might Be Giants

Clever songwriters above all, Cheekface will have you walk away laughing. Turns of phrase, observational humor, and self-deprecating jokes anchor Cheekface’s latest record Too Much to Ask, the LA-based trio’s third full-length. While funny, relatable lyrics are the clear highlight on Too Much to Ask, it’s worth noting the tight bass and guitar licks that give Cheekface groove to lay speak-sing and melodic vocals. It’s refreshing to hear a band wanting to just be themselves and fully succeeding, drawing in with the weird while sneaking in riffs that will be in your head the next morning. Add in the musical diversity across Too Much To Ask, percussive new wave rock (“Featured Singer”), folk-pop (“Election Day”), and jangly indie rock (“Pledge Drive”), and the realization that this is a band the can and will do anything in the future sinks in. At SXSW, a need for a “refresher” set turns up quick and Cheekface is the perfect remedy in the most memorable way. (Kevin McStravick)