Dull Bliss

Alternative rock / post-hardcore. Band with a cult following that recently got back together after what felt like a decade-long hiatus. Their record Monoculture defined high school for me—check out “Telemarketeer” and “Holiday Makers” off that. The emotional valence of this record is dark, a lot about depression and substances, but it syncs with the guitar textures very well. Would recommend checking out this really great interview for more insight: https://idioteq.com/sainthood-reps-return-with-dull-bliss-an-album-about-depression-anxiety-and-the-weight-of-lived-memory/.

Related: Balance and Composure, Title Fight, Soul Blind, Narrow Head, Alice in Chains

Favorites: 1, 2, 7
FCC: 3, 4, 6

1. (3:52) * Doesn’t Exist—Chiming guitars, gloomy alternative rock groove
2. (3:30) * Blue Nothing—Total head-nodding grunge, rather generic textures but we can still jam to this, “elegize what you’ve lost and you know is gone for good”
3. (3:36) Dizzy—Warped Tour alternative rock, anthemic (FCC: f*****)
4. (3:38) You Stay You—Melodic chiming guitars, swaying, “I can’t change you,” the single (FCC: f******)
5. (2:57) Dull—Acoustic lament, fairly complex guitarwork, “This song is about a job I had many years ago that completely crushed my sense of spirit, creativity, and zest for life. It dismantled my soul to the point that I wouldn’t even know what I’d do if I ever regained it.” –Cesco Montesanto
6. (2:58) Bliss—Intense pummeling alternative rock (FCC: s***)
7. (4:08) * Surfer—Chiming alternative rock, existential, features Jon and Erik from Balance and Composure (amazing band) on vox and guitars
8. (4:46) Is It Safe?—Generic alternative rock, actually kind of positive, cool guitar breakdown toward the end
9. (1:02) Quinoa Valley Recording Company—Muddled Alex G-esque voice interlude
10. (3:54) Take It Easy (On Me)—Extremely driving alternative rock, apparently a reference to The Eagles, eloquent lyrics
11. (1:12) (tell me your darkest memory)—Primitive vox and piano, cool closer