I first heard about DC based two piece, Teen Mortgage (@teen_mortgage) in 2016. What immediately drew me to them is the raw intense sludgy sound. Having to dive to the depths of the internet to find the sound that prevailed during my high school years has been a task. While pop music seems to be ever evolving, there are still some rock bands out there that have a timeless sound. Meaning you can’t exactly pinpoint when it was released. Teen Mortgage has always had that slight tinge of a west coast garage sound but with the speed of metal and the aggression of classic punk. In other words, right up my alley.
Their new EP, Life/Death is a perfect title. From start to finish it feels like you have lived through an era. “Doctor”, the opening track is the equivalent to fueling up the car and heading out on the highway. It’s an energetic start to the EP, which never has a lagging moment. It makes me want to direct a film just so I can include it in an epic montage scene.
The title track, “Life/Death” has a bit more of a rhythmic grunge sound. That ‘quiet loud’ structure that just works in such a modern way. “S.W.A.S.” is the middle point bringing a faster more classic punk influence in a short under 2 minute banger. “Falling Down”, the first single just has that immediate ‘hook’ to draw listeners in as to what this EP is all about. One of my favorites might be the closer, “The Change” which has a pretty satisfying breakdown that I love.
Even though Teen Mortgage has yet to release a full length album, their latest EP release is a perfect representation of the band. Straight to the point, no rules, and a modern collaboration of rock genres that give them a style and sound their own. A perfect start to summer.
For Fans Of: Fidlar, Hüsker Du, The Damned, Nirvana
Life/Death EP by Teen Mortgage out 21st June on King Pizza Records
