Mixtapes

Mixtapes sounds like the best kind of basement show: loud, sweaty, and intensely personal. Their music is defined by the constant, interlocking vocal trade-offs between Maura Weaver and Ryan Rockwell, creating a dynamic that feels more like a shared diary than a performance. It is fast enough to mosh to but melodic enough to hum for days, striking a balance between the aggression of 90s punk and the earnestness of early 2010s indie rock.

What truly sets them apart is their radical honesty. While many of their peers leaned into theatrical angst, Mixtapes focused on the mundane, awkward, and often painful realities of early adulthood in the Midwest. Their songs are littered with specific references to bad parties, mental health struggles, and the complicated nostalgia of being young. The production is intentionally warm and slightly unpolished, emphasizing the human connection over studio perfection.

Start with 'Even on the Worst Nights' to hear them at their peak. It captures their ability to turn self-doubt into anthemic, sing-along choruses that make you feel a little less alone in your own head. It is essential listening for anyone who prefers their punk rock with a heavy dose of vulnerability and conversational wit.