Queasy - "Nice"

Queasy’s latest single, “Nice,” will transport you back to a different time and place in some ways, while reminding you of the present in others. It’s sound is reminiscent of a distinctly 90s brand of wistful noise pop (think TeenBeat meets Dischord), while lyrically, focusing on the challenge of keeping a straight face when things take a turn for the worse. “The whole world’s fuckin’ burning. But when you ask me how I’ve been I’ll say ‘just fine,’” sings front person Corinne Dodenhoff in the lead up to the first chorus, recounting a familiar kind of internal irony that’s (unfairly) considered a social nicety. Things may be fucked up and heavily weighing on your mind, but you’re expected to grin and bear it as a member of polite society. Ain’t that nice?

Not to overuse the word, but everything about this song is quite nice. The Philadelphia-based quartet places more of an emphasis on melody than fuzz, but still strikes a nice balance between the sweet and airy jangle of minimalist indie pop and the guitar crunch of second wave emo. The staggered, weaving guitar parts and their great use of loud-quiet dynamics to separate the choruses and verses also help find that happy medium between the two aforementioned sub-genres. I can probably roll off a nice list of 90s reference points, but I’ll settle for Air Miami meets Sunny Day Real Estate with a little twist of Go Sailor and Jawbox. 

Stream the track below!

You can also purchase the song on Bandcamp or stream it on Spotify. “Nice” will appear on the band’s forthcoming album, Shining Now. Keep up with Queasy by following them on Instagram. There, you can also find a list of upcoming tour dates.