In the face of the adversity and hostility enveloping our global community, reactions tend to skew toward the extremes: escapist joy or full-steam-ahead revolution. Smooth Brain are asking the question: Why not both?
The quintet have been dazzling with a series of hook-laden anthems whilst championing underdogs everywhere and raising the collective voice of the queer community.
The band’s first output of 2024 is a cover of the new queen of pop, Olivia Rodrigo, whose “good 4 u” offers a prudent synergy for Smooth Brain’s insatiably catchy, but unerringly relevant arrival onto the scene. Throw in a Paramore mash-up, and you have an uplifting pop rock anthem bubbling with fun.
The alternative scene has long been a proving ground that exultation and rebellion are not mutually exclusive. Smooth Brain have taken this ethos to heart, with a collection of songs that fight tooth and nail for their LGBTQ fellowship whilst ensuring that everybody in earshot is wearing a smile. Queer joy and pure rage. Hand-in-hand. United.
Formed by a group of high school friends and TikTok mutuals, the tri-state pop punk crew hit the radar in summer 2023 with their attention-grabbing Friendly Fire. Led by uplifting lead single “No Pressure,” Smooth Brain announced themselves on the scene with a collection of impassioned songs about love, heartbreak, confusion, and nostalgia.
Nostalgia and progress can indeed be the best of friends. Smooth Brain are kicking off what promises a year full of statement-making, fist-pumping anthems with a glistening cover of of Olivia Rodrigo mega hit “good 4 u.”
Smooth Brain will be gracing the SXSW stage this spring when they play an official showcase on March 15 at The Iron Bear alongside Cassadee Pope and Winona Fighter.
Photos courtesy of Smooth Brain
