Truth or Consequences New Mexico – This Time of Year

Self-Released

I first heard about Truth or Consequences New Mexico through mutuals tweeting things like “this band rocks” and “this band should be huge” and other such praises. This type of adoration can sometimes feel too easy to dish out in an attention economy, but when I see a wave of noted guitar music enjoyers going to bat for a band I’ve never heard of, I try to make a point of checking it out. I’m here to say those commentators were right!

After reading so much concerted hype, I decided to put on the group's new EP, This Time of Year, and was instantly sold thanks to the sheer impact of the first line of vocals on “Between GA.” This isn’t dyed-in-the-wool Midwest emo by any stretch, but between the casually heroic lead guitar squiggles and the spring-loaded twang of a tenor firing at the top of their range, this makes me feel the same sort of catharsis. 

Truth or Consequences New Mexico has the juice to be enjoyed far beyond the realm of emo heads, though. The second track and lead single, “Seed of Doubt,” swaps singers and settles into the sort of grungy indie rock banger that would kill on a bill with Wednesday and Cryogeyser, expertly contorting the resignation of “Who cares, guess I’ll be fine,” into a full caterwaul. They’re the rare breed of band that has a keen sense of craft but isn’t afraid to push things to the point where it feels like the wheels might fall off, and I think that tension is where they shine the brightest.

The remainder of the EP continues to flex the band’s impressive range with the huge-guitar alt-country cymbal-basher “Honey, We’re in Hell!” and “Standing Still,” whose playful slide guitar work and pop-rock sensibilities bring to mind fellow Chicago hometown heroes Ratboys. When the acoustic-driven closer drops the name of the EP in the chorus, it’s nearly impossible to resist the charm. Every song earns its place here, and it’s exciting to imagine what this band might do with the form of an LP in the future, especially considering how clear and assured their sonic identity feels so early in their career.