ALEXSUCKS, an unabashed garage-rock revival group based out of LA, recently followed up their 2023 debut album with a raucous EP called Warm Beers — a six-song collection that spans the worlds of alternative rock, dance-punk, and old-school MTV. The project’s standout track, and namesake, adopts a quiet-loud dynamic (a technique that defined ’90s alt a la Pixies and Sonic Youth) while building toward an addicting refrain: “I used to skip school and drink warm beers from the backseat of my friend’s older brother’s car.” The accompanying video could’ve been an outtake from Kevin Smith’s Clerks as bandleader Alex Alvarez mops the floor at his 9-to-5 and rocks out at a bar afterward, setting it on fire by the end. In the wake of the EP’s release, we asked ALEXSUCKS to tell us about the songs that influenced the music, which range from Silent Alarm-era Bloc Party to modern post-punk greats Provoker.
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Beck – “Gamma Ray”
Beck is the goat. His production and songwriting is A1. It’s Beck. The goat.
Vaguess – “When it’s Gone”
Awesome dude, awesome surfer, super tall guy, super fire.
The Backseat Lovers – “Close Your Eyes”
This album is insane. This is some of our favorite production. This is an easy front-to-back listen.
Courtney Barnett – “Depreston”
Courtney uses the full dictionary. She’s my favorite songwriter. Listen carefully.
The Bravery – “An Honest Mistake”
The Bravery’s ‘Honest Mistake’ is an electrifying anthem that masterfully blends catchy hooks with a pulsing synth backdrop, capturing the essence of youthful rebellion and the bittersweet thrill of navigating life’s uncertainties. —ChatGPT
Provoker – “It’s In My Head”
The homies. Their sound is unique, and this song will show you that.
Bloc Party – “This Modern Love”
C’mon now. Potentially the best band ever?
LCD Soundsystem – “Someone Great”
Best live show ever, literally. He’s got like 15 people onstage playing every instrument ever while he slams glasses of wine. What more do you want?
Holograms – “ABC City”
Underrated. Give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed.
Big Thief – “Watering”
Good cry. Good laugh. Good love. Good song.