Warning: the new single “Happy or Sad” (streaming below) by the Brooklyn trio Dead Stars might become your new slacking song of the late summer of 2017 – yes because late summers are the perfect time for slacking. Taking inspiration from classic ’90s outfits like Dinosaur Jr. and even Nirvana, the band integrates that distorted, loud-quiet-loud sound with pop-influenced, melody-driven choruses, creating self-deprecating songs you can dance to. The chorus of the single is infectious, as Jeff Moore sings “I know it’s really a drag, that I’m neither happy or sad” over completely fuzzed-out guitars. The song is an anthem for the ordinary—one that would even make Weezer proud. The band will be celebrate the release of their new full album Perfect Patterns at Sunnyvale on September 1st. – Lilly Milman
