Smut - “Y Signal”

SXSW 2024 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 2

Pairs Well With…Alvvays, Beach House, CHVRCHES

Dream-rock band Smut released a couple singles in 2023 to follow-up the impressive, engrossing How the Light Felt, “18 Tons” and “Y Signal” also continuing the Chicago band’s shoegaze-light atmospherics and melancholy rock tones. While lightly decorated synth and guitar phrases form the baseline of Smut’s understated music, there are some pop hooks that especially ride ahead on “Y Signal”, a hallmark of impactful new-wave rock from the 80s to today. The band plays with light/heavy dynamics with nuance in a way that keeps their music from becoming sleepy even when hanging in a slower pace. (Kevin McStravick)

2023 Review: Who knew a band calledSmut 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.