“Apples” by Kill Tuco is like a Red Bull shot to the soul. A three and a half minute, no-frills adrenaline rush that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of a sweaty house party circa 1979. You know, the kind where someone’s dad’s garage morphs into a concert venue, and someone’s terrible beer choices somehow make sense. It’s all there: crunchy guitars, punchy drums, and a vibe that screams “grab your friends and dance like no one’s judging.”
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Okay, let’s talk about that sound. This is music with a time machine. “Apples” could’ve easily snuck onto an ‘80s movie soundtrack and no one would’ve batted an eye. It’s got that raw, garage band charm. There’s a New Wave twinkle in the guitar riffs, a hint of surf rock breeziness, and enough indie alt-rock grit to make it feel modern. You can almost hear the clash of Converse sneakers stomping on sticky floors.
The production? Tight. Like, first-pair-of-skinny-jeans tight. This isn’t your typical “recorded-in-their-basement” Kill Tuco. Working with producer Tommy Osuna and engineer Demitri Marmash has sharpened their edges. The guitars slice, the bass punches, and the drums hit like a caffeine overdose. This isn’t over-produced, though. It keeps that DIY charm that fans love, but with a slicker finish.
The vocals have this swaggering nonchalance. Connor Purington and Kapu Copp trade melodies and harmonies like it’s a friendly game of Pong. It’s melodic without trying too hard to be perfect. There’s a casual roughness, a “we’re here to have fun, not win a Grammy” attitude that feels honest.
And that chorus? It’s the earworm you didn’t know you needed. Anthemic, catchy, but not cloying. It makes you want to grab the nearest hairbrush and belt out the words you’ll have memorized by the third listen. There’s also a guitar solo that just rips. It’s short, sharp, and leaves you wishing it lasted another 10 seconds.
Thematically, “Apples” is all about that post-breakup spiral. The lyrics don’t reinvent the wheel, but who cares? They don’t need to. It’s more about how they’re delivered: with energy, angst, and a touch of that “I’m fine, but not really” vibe.
Kill Tuco has always been a Hawaii rock scene staple, but this song? This feels like the moment where they start reaching for bigger stages.
“Apples” is scheduled to drop on November 28, 2024, and it’s the perfect track for blasting in your car, preferably with the windows down and zero regard for noise complaints. It’s nostalgic but fresh, messy but polished. It’s everything rock needs to be.
In short: Grab your headphones, press play, and let “Apples” remind you what good rock sounds like. It’s loud, it’s fun, and, like actual apples, it’s probably good for you. Sort of.
Chadwick Easton