Words: Isobel Waugh
Have you ever been in a club, sending a ‘where are u now?’ text to someone you absolutely should not be talking to, the smell of vodka and dread blurring the screen? Looking around, everyone you came with is currently tongue wrestling with their 100% to-be life partners and you’re left contemplating, as Banks phrases, “Everybody’s falling in love, but I’m falling behind. Where are you now?”.
Well, last month couchsports. released their newest single ‘where are u now?’, an energised, alt-emo track, captivating this very feeling. This is only the band’s second track, so if you aren’t familiar with them already, couchsports. is the solo project of Joe Banks, the producer of Matchbox Productions and singer of The A.V. Club, who disbanded in October 2024.
What I hope is a universal experience, is captured perfectly in Joe Banks’ newest release. The anxious energy of the track is created by addictive guitar and a dynamic rhythm, which builds anticipation gradually before bursting into a cathartic chorus. The lyrics point to the complicated essence of modern relationships, where nothing is ever simple. Similar to their debut single ‘FLWRS’, ‘where are u now?’ is self-described as a track “all about the emotional turbulence of longing, feeling invisible and the bittersweet complexities of life relationships”- it’s clear Banks naturally gravitates to these complex themes. It’s also clear why- he’s good at it!
Musically, this track blends seamlessly the sounds of rhythmic drumming and alt-rock reminiscent guitar. The band- consisting of Joe Hill, Liam Reynolds, Nyan Van Horne and Cody Jay- compliment each other’s talents wonderfully, and I, for one, am excited to see what they conjure up next!
You can stream ‘where are u now?’ below.
Rockstars HQ 
Leave a comment