Welcome to The Fresh Squeeze, where every Monday and Friday, BLUNT gets down to the wire with an up-and-coming act we simply can’t get enough of.
In today’s shiny new edition, we get the juice on LA indie-rockers Inner Wave, who shine with a mix of fuzz and funk that’s sure to get the blood rushing straight to your brain. The band just dropped their transcendent fourth album, Apoptosis, which you’ll dig a whole lot if you’re into the likes of Tame Impala, Dope Lemon or Pond. For an album so rich with subtext, it’s a decidedly breezy affair – the kind you could spend weeks unpacking the labyrinthine nuance of, or just pop on for a casual Thursday arvo spin and veg out with.
Who’s in your band, what do they play, and what would be your non-musical superpowers?
Pablo Sotelo – guitar and vocals / telekinesis.
Jean Pierre Narvaez – bass / teleportation.
Elijah Trujillo – guitar and keys / super strength.
Jose Cruz – keys / super speed.
Luis Portillo – drums / time traveller.
When you’re not tearing shit up on your instruments, what do you legends like to get up to?
Pablo: I like to cook a lot. Before the pandemic I used to box, too. It’s a lot harder to do that now.
Eli: I like building custom furniture.
What would your hometown’s landmark be?
That’s a good question. Maybe Spoon House on Redondo Beach, or Giuliano’s in Gardena Boulevard.
What’s the usual first topic of conversation when you take a break at rehearsal?
Eli probably says something like, “Y’all tryna roll up?”
What’s your pre-show warm-up routine?
Vocal exercises and a little bit of tequila. Hopefully we get to walk around the city and eat some good food.
Tell us about your most memorable show, what made it so special?
Mexico City was hands-down the most special show to this date. The crowd was so great to us. On and off stage, everyone was so respectful and kind. It felt like we were right at home.
What band would you most like to share the stage with and why?
It’d be cool to share the stage with a band that we used to all listen to as kids. Bring it back full circle, you know? Like Red Hot Chili Peppers!
What’s the most exciting album you’ve listened to recently?
I really love Turnstile’s new album, Glow On. It’s refreshing to hear hardcore music with a different colour palette.
If you could be endorsed by one company, who would it be?
Probably something crazy like Zillow or Airbnb – free real estate and free places to stay anywhere around the world!
Why are you going to make it to the top over all the other contenders in the musical arena?
We are very dedicated and persistent. A lot of bands don’t last long, and we’ve already been around for 15 years. And because y’all doubted us.
Apoptosis is out now independently. Check out ‘Mystery’ below, then click here to stream the full album.
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