For a band that started by accident, Pew Pew has created an intentional sound that’s methodical, downstroked and strict.
In late 2023, bandmates M and Eamonn showed up to practice for their band, Ohio State Fair. When they learned practice was cancelled, M took the opportunity to show Eamonn ideas that were too abrasive for his other projects — and Pew Pew began to take shape. Soon came Jon on guitar and Kit — then Tanya — on bass.
The band’s debut EP, “Purgatory,” dissects the guilt, disappointment and moral dissonance clouding the conscience of a person pleading for exoneration. Across six tracks, droning, repetitive and bell-like guitars build a ruminating atmosphere that feels simultaneously inevitable and uncertain.
“The inclination toward rhythm and linear parts probably comes from the fact that I would work the structures out with Eamonn only — on drums and guitar — before playing it with the full band,” said M. “Repetition is indeed a big thing here, yielding that sense of immersion and letting you choose to really dig into it as far as it goes or simply ripping the band-aid off abruptly.”
A drummer in multiple bands, M admitted his foundation in percussion may have shaped his approach to guitar parts.
“I definitely think of guitar parts as ‘rhythm first.’ There’s not a ton of swinging or ‘free-handing’ in how we play our guitars (or anything, for that matter),” said M. “I like the percussiveness of all-downstrokes, and then being very intentional with syncopation,” he added.
Songs progress in an episodic fashion, introducing a theme, manipulating it, building it to a boil — then switching to a new idea.
It’s the kind of creative approach that makes you second guess the differences between opposing bands like The Velvet Underground and The Grateful Dead. It’s the kind of thought that makes you second guess the appearance of opposites in general. Heaven and Hell — Purgatory.
No need to wait, Pew Pew’s “Purgatory” is available now on Bandcamp and a few other spots.
Ryan DiLello is a musician and writer based in Somerville. You can submit your music for coverage by annoying him at a show or emailing ryan.hearfirst@gmail.com.
About The Author
