For some reason, these “Is Rock Dead?” thinkpieces keep being churned out despite the fact that we live in a time when bands like THICK are touring the country whenever they’re not tearing things up in their own Brooklyn backyard. Sure, the idea there may be that the genre has had a hard time pushing forward these past few decades, but what they seem to fail to consider is the fact that most of us are pretty content with where it wound up.
Case in point, THICK’s latest album Happy Now collects 11 irresistible, impossibly catchy grunge-pop songs with all three members—Nikki Sisti, Kate Black, and Shari Page—sharing vocal duties. There’s really no attempt at achieving anything beyond recording cathartic earworms that double as invitations to get active during their live shows—no ill-advised integrations of trap beats or Auto-Tune to tether it to the here and now.
And THICK are far from alone in this fundamentalist philosophy, as proven by the collection of 26 songs by various groups within their local scene that helped inspire the record (if not originally encouraging them to start the band) they’ve shared below. The playlist they crafted for us doubles as a testament to the thriving state of no-frills rock music as heard in the dive bar down the street, or opening for a favorite band which long ago swapped their guitars for synthesizers.
You can check out Happy Now here if you haven’t already, and read on for some background behind each of their playlist picks below.
BODEGA, “Pillar on the Bridge of You”
We’ve always been fans of BODEGA. This track off of their new album Broken Equipment is so catchy. The lyrics really resonated with us: “There are different types of love (but I know) / But there’s no selfish way to love / ’Cause then it wouldn’t be love.”
Gustaf, “Book”
Gustaf is one of our favorite live bands. It feels like you’re watching a big, happy post-punk family. Lydia is such a dynamic frontperson, and the interplay between the members’ instruments and vocals is so fun. Fun fact: Gustaf’s bassist, Christine, was the original bassist of THICK before Kate joined the band and we all love her.
Flossing, “Heart of Hearts”
This is a new solo project from Heather (ex-BODEGA). We haven’t seen Flossing live yet, but based on the new EP we can’t wait! It’s always exciting to see an artist branch out into a solo project and getting a glimpse into their personal psyche.
79.5, “Terrorize My Heart”
Shari was immediately drawn to this band when she heard this song. She loves current music that sounds disco-adjacent. This one is an especially fun song because the hook comes in nice and early and there are sick flute riffs throughout.
Grim Streaker, “Mind”
We played some early shows with Grim Streaker and have loved following their transformation over the years. We were practicing in our rehearsal space recently when we heard a band down the hall and thought, “That sounds cool.” So we knocked on the door and found them inside!
Model/Actriz, “Suntan”
Kate went to go see one of their shows alone and was utterly blown away. The band is so high-intensity and high-energy, they bring everything together in a way that would make both club kids and punks feel at home.
Johnny Dynamite and the Bloodsuckers, “Triflin’ Kids”
This is one of Nikki’s favorite tunes to dance to—every time it comes on she starts dancing around the room. Johnny is a really talented musician and so fun to watch.
Whiner, “Sleeping Pills”
This whole album is amazing. Cammy is a great lyricist and performs from his heart. He’s coming out with his own solo project later this month and we’re all excited to hear what that sounds like!
Bambara, “Serafina”
Bambara is such a wild band to watch live. This song in particular is one of our favorites to blast on tour—it has an energy to it that helps fuel some of our longer drives.
Fat Trout Trailer Park, “Belt”
Nikki discovered them recently at a Bands, Bikes, and BBQ event and they blew her socks off. They were so tight, and all their songs have cool rhythmic accents and vibe changes that grab your attention.
JessX, “Scream”
We are obsessed with JessX—they’re such a wonderful person and the community around the band is so inclusive and inviting that it reminds us of the old DIY NYC times. They really bring it at every show, and we’re so excited for them to be joining us at Saint Vitus on October 15! It’s going to be a complete rager.
TVOD, “Underdog”
TVOD is another up-and-comer in the Brooklyn scene that’s crafting something unique. This song is an OG hit and is lyrically vulnerable. It contrasts the live sets in which Tyler (founder/frontperson) goes completely off the walls. It’s been beautiful to see the evolution of this project—both Nikki and Kate used to play in this band—and we’re so excited for the new singles coming out in October!
Frida Kill, “Mujeres Con Mangos”
This is a very New York City song about the women selling mangos out on the streets and the overly aggressive NYPD crackdown on street vendors. The bassist, Maria, goes full frontwoman on this song and it’s so empowering to watch.
My Son the Doctor, “King of the Zoomers”
The only true pop-punk band left in Brooklyn. Let's goooo!!
Tetchy, “Fascist”
They put on a great live show and really captivate the audience. Maggie is such a catchy songwriter and really speaks her mind through her lyrics.
Lola Pistola, “Carroll St.”
We love Lola Pistola! This song is a best in class show of loud/quiet/loud dynamics. Just like the live shows, it’s both inviting and intense.
Snakeskin, “Spinning Heart”
All of Shanna’s songs have a nostalgic and whimsical feeling to them. She has such a vulnerable and beautiful style of writing that we fall in love with everything she releases.
Haybaby, “Total Bore”
Haybaby is a Brooklyn steadfast and dear friends of ours. Seeing Leslie (guitarist/vocalist) on stage at Shea Stadium (RIP) was one of Nikki’s inspirations for starting the band.
America Jayne, “Souvenirs”
Shari met America at Studio G (shout out to our home base) when she was recording and Shari was interning. Shari was so impressed with her recording and musical talent that she became an instant fan.
Namesake, “I’m Sick”
This is another band we’ve grown alongside in the Brooklyn music scene. FKA “Honduras,” Namesake maintains the raw energy we fell in love with years ago.
Tilden, “Daddy’s Shoe”
Tilden is basically a supergroup of a bunch of musicians we love. They have such a welcoming and inviting energy to them. They’re like one big family, and their live shows make you feel like you’re part of it.
SUO, “Any Other Day”
Saara is an incredible musician—we loved Boytoy and we love her solo project SUO. This is a really beautiful song that’s part of a 7-inch that goes through the phase of falling in love, then follows it up with this song about the unraveling of a relationship. It’s a deep feeling that we can all relate to.
Big Girl, “Summer Sickness”
Nikki saw them play Garbage Prom at The Gutter and was wowed. The performance is insane, with choreographed dance moves and costumes—it was a whole production. It’s such a unique show, and everyone involved is talented at what they do.
Dropper, “Memoirs of Working in a Bowling Alley”
Andrea writes extremely catchy and honest songs. We love this one extra because we know the bowling alley she’s talking about—it’s always fun to understand the origins of a song.
Josephine Network, “Music Is Easy”
Music is only easy for Josephine—she’s the most prolific and best songwriter in Brooklyn right now. The melodies, songwriting, and delivery of these beautiful songs is incredible. Basically, Josephine Network is perfect.
Brower, “Hacksaw”
A song from Nat Brower’s solo project. We met Nat through playing with his other project Metalleg and think he’s the best. Brower is such a cool vibe—meant in the absolute best way, this song sounds like it could have been on the Almost Famous soundtrack. So rockin’.
