Austin, Texas indie-rockers Being Dead initially made waves as a duo with their debut LP When Horses Would Run, released in 2023. Comprised of core members Shmoofy (Andrew Hulett) and Falcon Bitch (Julianne Reiter), the band built a reputation for their genre-blurring sound, combining lo-fi psych, garage rock, and surf pop with a quirky, irreverent spirit. Since their debut, they have expanded their lineup, welcoming bassist Nicole Roman-Johnston to bolster their live performances and contribute to their sophomore album, Eels.
Tracked in Los Angeles under the guidance of Grammy Award-winning producer John Congleton (known for his work with St. Vincent, Angel Olsen, and The War on Drugs), Eels sees the band evolving their eclectic sonic palette. Drawing inspiration from garage rock, surf twang, lo-fi psychedelia, and bedroom pop, Eels is a more refined yet still playfully chaotic exploration of the band’s DIY ethos. The album maintains their signature offbeat charm, while showcasing tighter production and deeper lyrical introspection, all without losing the raw energy that made them stand out in the crowded Austin music scene.
The addition of Roman-Johnston has brought a new dynamic to their sound, grounding their quirky compositions with her rhythmic basslines. Together, the trio delivers a fresh take on indie rock, blending retro influences with modern sensibilities, making Eels a noteworthy follow-up that solidifies Being Dead’s place in the indie scene.
With Eels, Being Dead takes listeners on a sonic journey that blends influences as diverse as surf rock pioneers The Ventures, garage rockers The Sonics, and modern psych acts like Tame Impala, creating a sound that is as nostalgic as it is refreshingly original.
Rating: 9/10 – Excellent Album