Smut - “Unbroken Thought”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 2

Pairs Well With…Alvvays, Pillow Queens, Beabadoobee 

Who knew a band called Smut would sound so warm and charming? Dream pop and mid-tempo indie rock intermingle on Smut’s sophomore record How the Light Felt, a full sound that still emits softness. Smut aren’t necessarily quiet, hitting big rock peaks on How the Light Felt, but they sand down their melodies and add sweet harmonies that give off a sense of understatement without sounding boring. Rather, the record is filled with little, twee hooks that make their songs memorable right away. Combining shoegaze excursions with tight pop/rock is a unique space for Smut to cultivate and one they consistently nail across How to Light Felt. (Kevin McStravick)