New Hampshire’s Sponge Head Unleash Their Debut Recordings

Sponge Head. Image: Supplied

Nascent New Hampshire outfit Sponge Head have unveiled their debut recordings, sharing both 'Aloe Vera Daze' and 'Them's Best Sponge Head' by way of a double-release. Both tracks were officially released late last month via streaming services.

A comparatively new addition to the New England era of the US' east coast, Sponge Head have only been around in their current iteration since April of this year. Comprising Trevor Butler (guitar/vocals), Tyler Mills (drums), Jordan Holtz (bass), and Chris Kennedy (guitar), the quartet have come together following time spent in numerous bands over the years, including the likes of Greed Island, Tiny Wine, Idling, and Rick Rude.

In this latest outfit though, the members combine to craft a sound that is equal parts reminiscent of shoegaze and noise-rock icons such as Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, and Dinosaur Jr., to name but a few.

On their debut recordings, the group pair this sort of dedication to their craft by adding a sense of lightness when it comes to their lyrics. First track 'Aloe Vera Daze' is simply described by Butler as being one that focuses on the idea of "trying to have fun in the summer", whilst 'Them's Best Friend' arrives as a simple ode to the love of one's own canine friend.

Having only played a few shows thus far, their two-track debut serves as a way to show the world what Sponge Head are all about from a musical point of view. As Butler explains though, they hope to push things into new directions, pairing elements of the classic shoegaze sound with much more of a rhythmic approach. For an easy comparison, think of The Jesus & Mary Chain's Munki with a more garage-rock approach.

"A lot more of the new songs that we have are more dancey," Butler explains. "I guess we're sort of aiming for garage rock that still has that catchy, rhythmic quality.

Already both 'Aloe Vera Daze' and 'Them's Best Friend' cement Sponge Head as a burgeoning force their respective genre, and needless to say, if their future material manages to pair this quality with a more danceable vibe, well, good times are in the pipeline.

Sponge Head's 'Aloe Vera Daze' and 'Them's Best Friend' are out now via Bandcamp.