Exclusive Premiere: Alternative nostalgia lives on in Poledo’s “Nothing Better To Do”
With a smooth collection of notes on the keyboard, the intro for “Nothing Better To Do” starts off with a simple melody, crafting an intimate world of mystery to begin Poledo’s newest track. It’s a stark contrast for what’s to come. At the hit of a drum, the mood quickly changes from that of a sweet, matter-of-fact sound to an early-90s alternative rock one with the addition of the vocals, guitar, and drums. The vocal line is laid-back while recounting a persistent need to overthink while at a party. He sings, “taking space up in my head/people always fuel me but then take my energy from me.” The postmodern-rock sound is young, effortless, and fizzling with natural energy. This is the stuff young alt-rock underground crowds are made of.
As the garage rock sound continues, the melody shifts and turns, making for an interesting melodic rock anthem framed by a clean punk sound while the singer continues to recount feeling claustrophobic at this party. The song itself is about the lead singer’s experience having a panic attack at a house show. In a vocal break, the rhythm takes on a triplet beat as the guitar and bass riff off of one another in a friendly competition. It’s clear Poledo knows their style well, even after only getting together in 2020.
The vocals return in parts throughout the track creating a sense of balance between the lyrical story and the music. And as the song comes to a close, “Nothing Better To Do” ends with a bang in a triumphant guitar solo. Poledo’s distinct postmodern sound is smooth and catchy and matches that of many popular bands of the ’90s like Built to Spill and Pavement. Channeling that classic sound of some of indie rock’s pioneers while adding a modern edge, Poledo is one of those bands that truly seems to know themselves and own the effortless jam-rock sound.
Poledo is made up of friends Owen Kenney, Jack DePrato, Kevin Dayspring, and Zach Brenneman, all hailing from their hometown in Cinncinati, Ohio. They only started making music together over the summer of 2020 as a quarantine project headed by Kenney. Listen to “Nothing Better To Do” and check out some of their other tracks below!
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