B-Side Guys

Super Tuesday, the musical brainchild of Alex Kisch, is set to release its latest album, “Future Tense,” on March 8, 2024. This album is a rich mosaic of indie rock, alt-country, folk-pop, and urban surf, drawing from a diverse range of influences that include Big Star, REM, The Replacements, Mac DeMarco, Wilco, Bartees Strange, and Lou Reed. The essence of “Future Tense” lies in its ability to transcend genre boundaries, creating a sound that is both refreshingly contemporary and deeply rooted in musical traditions.

Alex Kisch, once a member of the 90s Boston-based alt-rockers Dirt Merchants, has re-emerged from a musical hiatus with a newfound creative vigor. “Future Tense” is the culmination of a period of prolific creativity, following the release of “Danger City” in 2021 and “Just Right” in November of 2022.

“Future Tense” weaves together a tapestry of propulsive indie rock, Americana, and introspective acoustic tracks, creating a sonic landscape that is as varied as it is cohesive. Tracks like “The Future of Your Past” and “I Know Their Names” pulsate with the energy of indie rock, while “Let ‘Em Down Easy,” “Quicksand,” and “Stephen Pollack Day Parade” offer a foray into the introspective realms of Americana. The album also features deeply personal acoustic tracks like “Slow It Down,” “Inside,” and “In My Head,” showcasing Kisch’s introspective songwriting and the album’s thematic exploration of dark themes related to technological change, social isolation, and existential musings on death and dying.

The album opens with “I Know Their Names,” a track that immediately sets the tone for the album with its contemplation on the fleeting nature of relationships and the impersonal aspects of modern society. The song’s lyrical prowess is matched by its compelling musical arrangement, blending solid gold plates of truth with the cold realities of being left behind.

“These Passing Days” captures the universal longing for youth and the inevitable passage of time, juxtaposed against the backdrop of life’s mundane realities. The track’s reflective nature is encapsulated in its chorus, “As the days pass by, as you try, try, try,” urging listeners to let time fly and embrace the moments that truly matter.

“The Future of Your Past” stands out as a contemplative piece that delves into the cyclical nature of history and the ephemeral nature of human existence. The song challenges listeners to question what is real and what is right, urging a reevaluation of the narratives we hold dear.

“Slow It Down” is a poignant reminder to take a step back and appreciate the beauty in life’s simple moments. The track’s introspective lyrics, combined with Kisch’s emotive delivery, make it a standout piece on the album, highlighting the therapeutic power of music and introspection.

“Let ‘Em Down Easy” is a narrative-driven track that explores the complexities of ending relationships with compassion and understanding. The song’s Americana influences shine through, adding depth to the album’s sonic palette.

“Hollywood Boulevard” transports listeners to the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, juxtaposing the allure of fame with the harsh realities of broken dreams. The track’s vivid imagery and engaging storytelling exemplify Kisch’s ability to paint pictures with his words.

“Showdown” and “Inside” further showcase the album’s thematic diversity, exploring the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. “Quicksand” offers a critique of American consumerism and the endless pursuit of material satisfaction, while “In My Head” delves into the inner workings of the mind, questioning the nature of fear and bravery.

“Turn It All Away” and “Stephen Pollack Day Parade” round out the album, the former a meditation on the distractions and trivialities of modern life, and the latter a celebration of community and collective memory.

“Future Tense” is a testament to Alex Kisch’s evolution as an artist and Super Tuesday’s place within the indie music landscape. The album is a journey through the myriad emotions, experiences, and reflections that define our contemporary existence. Through its diverse soundscapes and poignant lyrical themes, “Future Tense” invites listeners to explore the complexities of the modern world while finding solace in the universal truths that bind us all.