Cheekface
Middle Spoon
Self-Released [2025]
“Hilarious, heartfelt, and hook-filled, Middle Spoon proves that Cheekface is as sharp as ever while at times pushing their sound in unexpected directions.”
Album Overview: Cheekface, the Los Angeles trio of Greg Katz, Amanda Tannen, and Mark “Echo” Edwards, has built a devoted following through their sharp-witted lyrics and infectious indie rock grooves. Their music blends humor and absurdity with modern anxieties, making them a standout in the DIY scene. Over the years, they’ve self-released a string of catchy albums that balance biting social commentary with playful melodies. Middle Spoon, the band’s fifth album, arrives after a turbulent period marked by personal hardships and upheavals. Despite these challenges, the record stays true to Cheekface’s signature style—mixing observational humor with existential dread. Lyrically, the album covers everything from economic struggles to personal loss, but the delivery keeps things engaging rather than heavy-handed. The band also broadens their sound, incorporating unexpected genre influences while maintaining their distinct identity.
Musical Style: At its core, Middle Spoon embraces Cheekface’s signature mix of talk-sung vocals, punchy rhythms, and quirky instrumentation. The album continues their tradition of crafting off-kilter, earworm-heavy tunes drawing from punk, power pop, and alternative rock. However, they also experiment with elements of ska, funk, and even metal, adding fresh textures to their sound. This willingness to explore different influences makes the record unpredictable yet unmistakably theirs.
Evolution of Sound: While previous Cheekface albums refined their distinctive indie-punk blend, Middle Spoon sees the band branching out. Ska-inspired tracks sit alongside heavier, distortion-driven moments and orchestral flourishes. Rather than redefining their identity, these additions enhance their established style, showcasing confidence in their songwriting while leaving room for spontaneity. The result is a record that feels both cohesive and adventurous while certain songs tread familiar territory. Fans of their previous albums will find comfort in this consistency, but newcomers may notice a sense of repetition across the record.
Artists with Similar Fire: Cheekface’s approach falls somewhere between the sardonic storytelling of The Hold Steady, the anthemic energy of Jeff Rosenstock, and the hyper-literate charm of Los Campesinos! Fans of The Replacements’ scrappy melodies or LCD Soundsystem’s rhythmic repetition will also find something to enjoy. At times, their deadpan humor and offbeat delivery recall Cake, while the ska influences bring to mind bands like Skatune Network and Catbite.
Pivotal Tracks: “Living Lo-Fi” opens the album with a perfect encapsulation of Cheekface’s strengths, mixing clever wordplay with a rollicking arrangement. “Flies” leans into sardonic self-awareness with lines about personal shortcomings and societal oversaturation. “Art House” plays with the idea of relationships as indie films while throwing in a cheeky music fact, making it one of the catchiest tracks on the album. “Wind Is Gone” takes a left turn with harmonica-driven chaos, while “Hard Mode” delivers a sharp look at daily frustrations through a relentless groove. Meanwhile, “Military Gum” shifts between aggressive riffs and unexpected funk, and “I Know What’s Gonna Happen” softens things up with strings and a reflective mood.
Lyrical Strength: Cheekface’s lyrics remain razor-sharp, packed with humor, social critique, and surreal observations. Middle Spoon continues their knack for turning everyday struggles into memorable punchlines, blending the ridiculous with the profound. The writing swings between absurdist one-liners and moments of genuine warmth, capturing the uncertainty of modern life without losing their signature wit. In “Living Lo-Fi,” Katz sings, “Are you living with some chronic pain? / Are you using frozen food as medical first aid?” Meanwhile, “Art House” delivers the laugh-out-loud line, “Brother, did you know that Tame Impala is just one guy?” Even in heavier moments, the band retains its relatability, as heard in “Don’t Dream,” where Katz deadpans, “When you said your dream came true / I did not know what you mean / I don’t dream.”
Final Groove: Middle Spoon proves that Cheekface isn’t afraid to evolve while sticking to what makes them great. The album’s mix of humor, social commentary, and eclectic influences keeps things engaging, even when it revisits familiar ground. The band’s willingness to experiment without losing their core identity shows their growth as songwriters. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering them, this record delivers sharp, catchy, and oddly comforting indie rock. As they continue refining their craft, it’ll be exciting to see just how far they push their sound next.
CHEEKFACE REVIEW HISTORY
It’s Sorted (2024) / Too Much To Ask (2022) / Emphatically No. (2021)
CHEEKFACE LINKS
Official Website | Instagram | Bandcamp
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