by hapago

BUDGE is on FIRE!

The debut EP, titled “HRTSTRNGS,” is out today via To-Go Records! This is a very special one, folks. BUDGE has captured everyone’s attention (and hearts!) in the past few years with their live sets that recall the likes of PAVEMENT and MOMMA, with their own special twist. They play a lot around town, but each set feels so unique to the crowd that is there that night–no BUDGE show is the same.

And I’d know! One of the first times I saw BUDGE was when IMPEDIMENT played with them and the PARANOYDS at SOFT JUNK almost two years ago. They blew me away, and then pulled me right back in! They’re four incredibly talented people: JESSIE HOPSON writes incredible melodies that harmonize perfectly with JACKSON BERRA’s guitar playing, and it’s built upon the unfuckwittable rhythm section that is CHANDLER BOSTICK (bass) and ADAM MILLER (drums {a.k.a. DJ ADAM}).

Flash forward a few months, we’re playing with them again at TO-GO’s Discovery Night at THIRD MAN, and they tore the fucking roof off the place! I mean I swear to god I’ve never been more inspired than I was that night–they hit every note perfectly, completely effortlessly, but not in the downtown Broadway, playing at Kid rock’s big ass honky tonk style of playing perfectly. It was like watching a REPLACEMENTS youtube video. They sound amazing, playing loud and sounding like gas on a flame, but still talking with each other and their friends in the crowd between songs. I left the show that night and got in my car and realized my jaw was still on the venue floor.

So now, their debut EP is out, and the world is a better place for it. BUDGE is really in a complete league of their own throughout “HRTSTRNGS”. Jessie writes these songs with complete intention–the foundation is strong, giving the band a great starting point to come in and expand the songs, pushing them to the maximum.

Right off the bat, “BREATHE” introduces you to the band, one by one, until you hear that “maximum” previously mentioned. Jessie and Jackson harmonize on the chorus: “Tell me all of your problems/and I’ll make them mine/I’ll drop everything for you/just give me a sign” like cmon. Say it louder for everyone in the back. Also–Jackson’s solo at the end ! ! ! He’s playing like the rent’s due!

The lead single, “SAY LESS”, is that ONE though, y’all. This is a song for the people. Shoutout Ryan Saavedra, those drums sound top notch. If a song is a blank canvas then this song has no trace of said canvas–they’ve painted the entire thing, top to bottom, over and over again, creating a soundscape that is completely engrossing and takes over all your senses.

“WANT ME 2 BE” is the secret hit though–it’s noisier and heavier than the rest of the project, showing the full range of BUDGE’S immense talent. They let loose, essentially smothering that canvas with paint at this point. It’s really cool how they lean into this so unexpectedly–perhaps a sign of things to come?

Listen to BUDGE every day, for yr health.

BUDGE NOW, BUDGE TOMORROW, BUDGE FOREVER!