Chicago-based indie pop-rock outfit Push Puppets presents their new single ’Similar’, the third single from their fourth long-play album 'Tethered Together', out May 16 via Flowering Tree Music and produced by Doug McBride (Smashing Pumpkins, Veruca Salt, Silversun Pickups, Cheap Trick). A favorite at the band’s live shows, this recording captures that energy with a little elegance on top.
The release of ‘Similar’ is accompanied by a vibrant new video, produced by Scott Thiele and Sebastian Gonzales with editing and animation by Metamorse Studio, which features eye-popping animations of DNA, brain synapses, x-rays, fireworks and other imagery that support the lyrics.
Push Puppets is the creative outlet for singer-songwriter and guitarist Erich Specht. The five-piece creates songs with earworm melodies and shiny production that belie often bittersweet sentiments. Specht (lead vocals, guitar) is joined by a core of Steve Frisbie(backup vocals, guitar), Kyle Magnusson (keyboards), John William Lauler (bass) and Greg Essig (drums). They earlier released the lead tracks 'All Together On 3' and 'This Whole Endeavor'.
On this song, they are joined by a string quartet, comprised of Stephanie “Sly” Youngon violin, Katherine Andrick on viola, Molly Rife on cello and Kelly Jozwiak on violin (note: Janis Sakai performs in the audio recording).
On ‘Similar’, Push Puppets come out swinging like arena rockers with a wall of backup harmonies and strings, as Erich sings about the commonalities among us in driving, anthemic style. With The Who’s influence apparent during the violin solo over an intricate synth sequence, this song ends with a head-bobbing hook with handclaps, driving home the title.
The 'Tethered Together' album is graced with impeccable songwriting that shines with lush harmonies, angular guitars, dramatic keyboards and strings backed by a rhythm section that smokes. Erich Specht muses on relationships and loss, as well as the weight and joy of life, in a manner that is poetic and seems effortless, his lyrics fitting to the melody like pieces of a puzzle. Wearing his vulnerabilities like a badge of honor, this music takes us on a journey to unexpected places.
As of April 16, 'Similar' is available from fine digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The 'Tethered Together' album, now available for pre-order, will be released digitally and on CD on May 16. Push Puppets will hold their album release show at Robert's Westside in Forest Park, IL on May 30.
SINGLE CREDITS
Lyrics & music by Erich Specht (ASCAP)
Produced by Doug McBride and Erich Specht
Mixed & mastered by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios
Recorded in Chicago at Gravity Studios and Erich Specht's home studio
Erich Specht – lead vocals, guitars, string arrangements
Steve Frisbie – backup vocals, guitar
Kyle Magnusson – keyboards
John William Lauler – bass
Greg Essig - drums
Stephanie “Sly” Young – violin
Janis Sakai – violin
Katherine Andrick – viola
Molly Rife – cello
Cover artwork by Crow Prints
Released & published by Flowering Tree Music (ASCAP)
Video produced by Scott Thiele and Sebastian Gonzales
with editing and animation by Metamorse Studio
Artist studio photos by Gintas Zaranka
Artist live photos by Gabi Bucataru
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
