US / THEM: Chicago DIY post-punks Staring Problem's forthcoming album streaming early exclusively via PunkNews

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Chicago DIY post-punks Staring Problem's forthcoming album streaming early exclusively via PunkNews

"There is a gloomy kind of warmth to these songs that draws you in. They have created a world all their own here, and it’s a fascinating one to take a trip through." -- Maximum RockandRoll

"Draws heavily from 80s goth and postpunk, though their deft melodies give even their coldest songs a therapeutic warmth—and they sometimes break from the genre’s obvious reference points with infusions of classic girl-group sweetness." -- Chicago Reader

"With a haunting melody reminiscent of Wise-era Cure and an echoing, distant-yet-powerful vocal performance from Owen, this is post-punk that harkens back to the greats of the genre while still putting a stamp of Staring Problem’s distinctive personality on it.” — New Noise Magazine

Chicago DIY gloomgaze band Staring Problem are streaming their forthcoming album a day early today exclusively via PunkNews. Hear & share Equinox HERE.

The band hosts a Bandcamp Listening Party tonight at 5:30pm Pacific/8:30pm Eastern. RSVP HERE.

New Noise Magazine recently launched the official video for first single "The Void" HERE (Direct YouTube.) Hear/share the single on all DSPs HERE. Side-Line shared "Don't Tell a Soul" HERE. (Direct via Bandcamp.)

The idea for Staring Problem was simple: a post-punk, no-wave project. For over 15 years, the band has existed in one form or another as an amalgamation of ethereal pop and goth with a dash of noise sprinkled throughout.

The current lineup is Lauren Owen, Michael Erickson and Andrew Jarosh. With the exception of “Don’t Tell A Soul” — an old song that was never properly released — all material on Equinox is new and collaboratively written by Owen, Erickson and Jarosh. Lyrics were penned by Owen and Erickson alongside two close friends of the band, Robert Komen and Jessica Beaty, the subjects touching on shifts in awareness for mental health, sociopolitical issues, environmental concerns and technology. The album was recorded in 2023 by Matt Russell at Altered States Studio in Chicago.

Equinox will follow in the footsteps of prior Staring Problem records and release via Modern Tapes on December 20th, 2024. The album is a full-circle moment for Staring Problem: giving way to the band’s strongest lineup and output to date, the past and present joining hands to create an Equinox. Pre-orders are available HERE.