Words: Isobel Waugh
Last Friday, couchsports. released their debut single ‘FLWRS’, an alt-emo track. couchsports. is the solo project of Joe Banks, the producer of North West production company Matchbox Productions and singer of The A.V. Club. After performing to numerous sold-out crowds, the band decided to call it a day back in October 2024, and since then, they have all taken on individual projects.
This brings us to Joe’s debut single ‘FLWRS’. The emo-alternative tones of the track are starkly different to the indie-pop music we may expect. The track begins with quick tempo, repetitive drumming propelled by melodic electric guitar. It certainly feels like Joe, as a solo artist, is redefining and exploring the music he wants to create.
With grunge tones, the track is a vulnerable, honest (and ultimately fun!) exploration of sound. As a debut single, ‘FLWRS’ definitely suits the self-defined ‘alt-emo loser core’ genre used to describe couchsports. Joe’s vocals bounce around the heavy beat, with lines questioning “Who am I? December’s when I start to ache”. The track is a nostalgic ode to the teenage days many of us spent scrolling through tumblr, but couchsports. manage to explore these darker themes eloquently, creating a song which is not only melodically interesting, but lyrically too. Joe notes that “This is the most vulnerable song [he has] written” and takes inspiration from bands Basement and Movements. ‘FLWRS’ features the familiar anthemic chorus you just can’t help but sing along to.
In Joe’s own words, ‘FLWRS’ is ‘a song all about self discovery, emotional conflict and getting back to the place where you feel like yourself again’. So, from the pioneering project of a brand new emo-alternative band, it is clear the future for couchsports. is exciting to say the least.
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