From the moment Art Gecko’s latest release opens up with “Bastogne,” the promise is made to their listeners: we are in for an EP that will deliver exactly what we came for — good old-fashioned indie rock. The first chorus of the track hits with a driving, melodic bass line from Aaron Willette, and tight backing vocals from Jessie Prutisto-Chang and Ilana Waite that set up the convergence between nostalgic lyrics and pure musicality, which goes on to be the theme of the record.
The lyrics of the EP are extremely candid, almost as if Cole Fisher’s poignant words are taken straight from a letter to a friend, pasted from his memory to the track: “Hey, saw you at the protest but didn’t get your name,” he sings in the title track, “American News,” which uses this initial interaction between two people to zoom out on a larger commentary, with lines like “I should know — ain’t nothin’ new, American news.”
The EP itself moves across a range of genres; though we start in the dancey, rockin’ territory with the opening track, it quickly moves into a more emotional space that feels thoughtful and introspective by the time the EP wraps up with acoustic guitar-based “Go West.” The intro to the song reiterates the wistful feeling that stays consistent across this record, with twinkly electric guitar complementing the simple chording of the acoustic. “I’m not high but I’d be lying if I said I could operate a vehicle,” Fisher cheekily sings in the opening verse.
With a drum performance delivered cleanly by Jesse Niemer, much of the EP offers the feeling of connectedness that one would expect of a live performance, with much of the polish that comes from a studio recording. Niemer’s drum parts give songs like “Machina” a strong sense of forward motion, which makes you simply want to dance along.
Listening to the record, it is hard to believe the Seattle five-piece has only been working together since the summer of 2021, and that their writing and arrangement has already become so tight-knit.
“I’m the primary writer,” Cole Fisher explains, “but as far as instruments, all parties had freedom to create their wonderful parts.” The cohesiveness of their debut EP suggests that Art Gecko’s future is bright, and that their audience can continue to expect solid and catchy material from them.
If you’re looking for a new indie rock record to make you dance, sing along, and ponder deeply, Art Gecko’s American News is ready for you, and available wherever you stream your music.