Chousand – Idwtbaba

Self-released

Even when they’re on the verge of breaking up, Chousand fucking rock. The band’s discography revolves around a pair of self-titled records: 2018’s Chousand and 2023’s Chousand II, as well as a constellation of EPs and random singles. With song titles like “Clitbomb” and an EP named “Gary” (stylized in a heavy metal font, set against a backdrop of fire and lightning), it’s clear that this band isn’t taking things too seriously, but that doesn’t mean they don’t rock. In fact, I think when you title things like that, it’s even more imperative that you fucking rock. 

Spiritually, Chousand leans into the beer-drunk debauchery of bands like Wavves or FIDLAR, but they aren’t afraid to throw in some nerdy emo riffiness or some PUP-style self-flagellation. The group’s biggest song, “Subaru,” recounts playing Smash until you pass out and contains a call-and-response gang vocal listing different SKUs of beer and their respective prices (“thirty of Busch Light / FIFTEEN NINETY NINE!!!”). While not particularly probing or insightful, the average Chousand song was consistently endearing, relatable, and most importantly fucking rocked. 

Over time, their work got a little more heartfelt and sincere, reminding listeners that there was always a real heart beating at the center of these stories. Even on their earliest material, Chousand found themselves questioning how long this could all last, but now, a decade into their career as a band, it has never seemed like a better time to throw in the towel. The central thrust of the group’s comeback (final?) single, “Idwtbaba,” lies in its brilliant acronymization: I don’t wanna be a band anymore. 

Not wanting to be a band anymore has proven fruitful territory, granting the group lots of bits like buzzy TMZ-style coverage of their fights and letting bread decide if they should break up or not. The song itself opens with a nifty little guitar lick and quickly gets to the heart of the matter, decrying tour life before throwing to some righteous bouncy riffage. By the second verse, the band has already updated their desire to “I don’t wanna be sad anymore” and is talking about ditching anything that could possibly be related to this lifestyle. Even with a song that’s ostensibly all complaining, Chousand has an ability to make it all so goddamn fun that you almost overlook the misery at the center. A real rocker from a real rock band.