Weird Nightmare

WEIRD NIGHTMARE, the new project from METZ frontman Alex Edkins, displays his indie rock sensibility, with a penchant for undeniable hooks and massive sing-along choruses, while maintaining the immediacy and excitement of his beloved former band. On the new studio album Hoopla—co-produced with Spoon’s Jim Eno — Edkins expands Weird Nightmare’s dimensions to new heights, Resplendent with sunny, guitar pop, Hoopla was crafted with just the right amount of punk rock fuzz and crunch. The immediate, crisp, unfussy recording brings you right into the studio with Edkins and his rhythm section: Loel Campbell on drums and bassist Roddy Kuester. This is top-shelf power pop; these sharp jolts of adrenaline could slip into a radio rock block between The Replacements and Elvis Costello & the Attractions. Or fit just as easily on a college radio set alongside Sharp Pins, Ratboys, and Alvvays. It feels like a beloved indie director leveling up to their first studio feature. Hoopla represents a huge leap forward in Edkins' sonic palette, emotional vulnerability, songwriting and production acumen.