Artist: Bleak Mystique Single: Better Off Genre: New Wave, Shoegaze, Garage Rock Release Date: March 29th, 2024

“It’s so good you’ll cry happy tears.” - Sam, Bleak Mystique

I didn’t cry happy tears, but I can always respect a bass hook to kick a song off. Denver-based indie outfit Bleak Mystique delivers a fresh take on garage rock with their latest single, blending influences from The Strokes with their own sound. Being a genuine guitar-band comprising two guitars, bass, and drums, Bleak Mystique extracts a substantial amount of sound from their instruments, maintaining a consistently robust presence throughout their music, albeit occasionally experiencing dips in dynamics to exceptionally low levels.

Recorded and produced entirely by the band, they opt for a stylish, understated vibe with clean guitars, simple drumming, and relaxed vocals that are just louder than a whisper. Their sound is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

Drawing inspiration from personal experiences, the song delves into the complexities of failed relationships and the vulnerability that comes with it. As Sam confesses, "It's about feeling extremely vulnerable and letting insecurities get the best of you," reflecting on his own struggles during the songwriting process. "Shaking hands with sycophants," croons lead vocalist and guitarist Sam, during the track’s first moments, setting the tone right off the bat.

The band's chemistry is palpable, evident in the seamless cohesion between each member. From the captivating bass intro to the catchy guitar solos, every element contributes to the track's irresistible charm. They manage to create a big sound despite all the instruments sounding quiet on their own, showcasing their talent for crafting dynamic compositions with minimalist arrangements.

With nods to their influences like The Strokes and The Beatles, Bleak Mystique carves out their own niche in the indie rock scene, offering a refreshing take on a familiar sound. Their upcoming tour promises to further solidify their presence. Grab tickets now if you’re in the Southwest.

Check them out on socials:

https://www.facebook.com/Bleakmystiquemusic
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1mA0Ikcctpgv2rZrslMlSh?si=0rfgjkdcQlqkdQR0CKHd8g&utm_source=copy-link&dl_branch=1
https://soundcloud.com/bleakmystique
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-rvirBurmeCRp4KAzTDpw
https://www.instagram.com/bleak.mystique/
https://www.bleakmystique.com
https://www.songkick.com/artists/10172260-bleak-mystique
https://www.tiktok.com/@bleak.tok

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“Better Off” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating DA DA DA - Best New Music

We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.