Nana Grizol

Nana Grizol sounds like the intersection of a DIY punk show and a high school marching band practice. There is a specific, sun-drenched warmth to their records, often characterized by Theo Hilton’s distinctively nasal, urgent vocals and a sprawling arrangement of horns that elevate simple acoustic melodies into something anthemic. It is music that feels lived-in, slightly frayed at the edges, and deeply communal.

What makes them truly distinctive is the intellectual weight behind the upbeat arrangements. While many of their peers in the folk punk scene lean into nihilism or raw aggression, Nana Grizol maintains a sense of poetic wonder and rigorous self-examination. The presence of Neutral Milk Hotel alumni Robbie Cucchiaro and Laura Carter brings a psychedelic, orchestral depth to the rhythm section, creating a sound that is both intimate and expansive.

Start with their debut, Love It Love It. It perfectly captures the energy of their Athens, Georgia roots, blending catchy indie-pop sensibilities with the grit of a touring DIY band. From there, move to Ursa Minor to hear their songwriting evolve into more complex, narrative-driven territory while keeping the brassy heart of the band intact.