Upset sounds like the best parts of 90s alternative rock filtered through a modern DIY punk lens. The music is defined by a heavy, propulsive rhythm section that provides a thick foundation for bright, fuzzy guitar melodies. It is high-energy but grounded, avoiding the polished sheen of radio pop-punk in favor of a raw, analog warmth that feels immediate and honest.
What makes them distinctive is the pedigree of the members, particularly the interplay between Ali Koehler's melodic, often deadpan vocal delivery and Patty Schemel's legendary, heavy-hitting drumming style. This combination creates a unique tension where the songs feel both breezy and incredibly muscular. They capture a specific brand of 'bummer pop' that pairs self-deprecating lyrics with infectious, driving hooks.
Start with their debut 'She's Gone' to hear the band at their most urgent and raw. It perfectly encapsulates the transition from the surf-inflected indie of Koehler's past projects into a more aggressive, drum-forward punk sound that remains their signature.
Upset is an American band, formed in 2013. The band originally consisted of Ali Koehler on guitar and lead vocals, Jenn Prince on lead guitar and vocals, Chris Juarez on bass, and Patty Schemel on drums. After the recording and release of their debut album, She's Gone, Prince departed the band to work on other projects, with Lauren Freeman joining the band on lead guitar, and Rachel Gagliardi on bass and vocals. Koehler is the former drummer of the bands Best Coast and Vivian Girls. Schemel rose to prominence as the drummer of Hole and currently also drums for the band Death Valley Girls. The band released their debut album on Don Giovanni Records on October 29, 2013.
Shares indie rock, garage rock, punk rock (subgenres); lo fi, analog warmth, live recording (production style)
Shares lo fi, analog warmth, live recording (production style); indie rock, punk rock, power pop (subgenres)
Shares indie rock, garage rock, punk rock (subgenres); lo fi, analog warmth, live recording (production style)
Shares lo fi, analog warmth, live recording (production style); garage rock, power pop, punk rock (subgenres)
Shares indie rock, garage rock, punk rock (subgenres); lo fi, analog warmth, stripped back (production style)
Shares indie rock, garage rock, punk rock (subgenres); basement show, summer, dive bar (atmosphere)
Shares basement show, summer, dive bar (atmosphere); lo fi, analog warmth, stripped back (production style)
Shares lo fi, analog warmth, live recording (production style); indie rock, garage rock, power pop (subgenres)
Shares indie rock, garage rock, punk rock (subgenres); analog warmth, live recording, stripped back (production style)
Shares power pop, garage rock, punk rock, raw (subgenre)
Shares power pop, garage rock, punk rock, raw (subgenre)
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