Discovering a New Favorite Band

I have a new favorite band—sounds a bit odd, right? I’m an adult, not some teenager lost in the music scene.

It all started in my car when I heard “Jupiter” for the first time. The guitar intro was distinctive, just two chords with a simple rhythm.

The song was undeniably catchy. It was straightforward yet had a great groove. I later found out the band’s name is Almost Monday.

I quickly downloaded “Jupiter” and added it to my playlist. Nestled amongst classics, it stood out, and soon, I found myself humming along throughout the day. Trust me; you should give it a listen when you can.

A month or two passed, and then came another track from Almost Monday. “Can’t Slow Down” followed a similar pattern but featured an awesome bass line too.

Both songs share this smooth quality that’s incredibly well-produced. They’re beautiful and comfortable to listen to.

I guess it’s a kind of music that’s hard to dislike. It feels so polished and sophisticated that it’s nearly impossible to picture it being performed by real people.

The band projects an almost unattainable perfection, leaving not much room to get to know them.

Summer’s Soundtrack

I downloaded “Can’t Slow Down” and added it to my playlist, too. It sounded fantastic in the car, especially since it was getting heavy airplay. By July, these two songs had me convinced that Almost Monday was the breakout band of the summer.

For me, “Jupiter” and “Can’t Slow Down” were my songs of the season—definitely the highlight for many others, I’m sure.

Almost Monday somehow became my go-to band.

A Shift in Tune

I hadn’t really had a favorite band in a while. Honestly, I wasn’t sure I’d ever have one again. I still keep up with music trends and listen to the radio from time to time.

Not that long ago, I enjoyed the whole “yacht rock” trend. It was a bit of a joke but surprisingly, enjoyable music can stem from joke trends.

If I were to play the role of a music critic, I’d label Almost Monday as “post-yacht rock, California pop.” Their melodies are smooth and catchy, lyrics clever. No heavy topics, just a strong Southern California vibe, especially since they hail from San Diego.

A Pondering Moment

Looking back, my first favorites were Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith back in high school. In college, Echo and the Bunnymen took that spot. In San Francisco, it was Smith.

These bands became like trusted friends to me. I’d feel lost without listening to them at least once a day.

When I turned thirty, I became a regular listener again as grunge rolled through the scene. While I liked many bands from that era, none truly felt like my favorite.

Even post-grunge, there were artists I enjoyed: Radiohead, Interpol, Elliott Smith, and Sufjan Stevens’ “Carrie & Lowell”. But they didn’t quite fill that favorite band void.

Worries and Wonders

Interestingly, I don’t typically gravitate towards music like Almost Monday. Usually, I prefer heavier, moodier tunes. Yet, their lightness feels somewhat refreshing, maybe even revolutionary considering today’s dark, anxious atmosphere. How can they be so carefree when everything seems heavy? There’s a cheerful front, but I can’t help but wonder who they really are.

And let’s address the elephant in the room: they’re a group of four white guys. Is that just standard? Shouldn’t bands diversify a bit more? The idea of being a traditional “band” also feels a bit outdated. Today’s pop landscape seems dominated by solo stars—think Chapel, Benson Boone, or bad bunny.

Ineffable Impressions

Throughout the summer, I found myself listening to “Can’t Slow Down” and “Jupiter” on repeat. Still, I hadn’t seen the band live—I didn’t feel the need.

Then, one night, I caught their performance on Jimmy Kimmel’s show. I quickly turned up the volume.

They played “Can’t Slow Down.” Honestly, their stage presence was minimal—just four guys with instruments: singer, bassist, drummer, guitarist.

No amp in sight; the stage was nearly empty. What struck me was the simplicity of it—just that repetitive guitar riff.

They seemed a bit detached; the singer moved slightly while the guitarist and bassist remained static. The drummer kept the beat. It felt almost exclusive.

It was really something. But, will America recognize their understated cool? How simple can they get? What’s their essence?

By that summer, they had released two major hits on alternative radio. Yet, what does that even mean in today’s music industry? Is “alternative music” still relevant? Do young people still listen to it? How are bands making money today?

Reflections on Autumn

Fast forward to September—I took a ferry to Alaska. It was not a cruise; more a practical vessel carrying locals, dogs, and trucks. It took three days, with no TV, leaving me with limited entertainment.

During those hours on the deck, I realized just how much I was drawn to Almost Monday. After some time outside, I returned to my bunk and hit play on “Jupiter” and “Can’t Slow Down.”

I also explored some other tracks I had downloaded. Now that I had some quiet moments to really listen, I unearthed new favorites.

It was amusing—though these songs felt like my “summer tunes,” the closer I got to Alaska, the colder it became.

As summer slowly slipped away, I listened to the warm sounds of Almost Monday, even as the atmosphere grew chillier.

Home Again

Returning to Portland, despite the humidity and cold, I still play Almost Monday almost daily.

I genuinely hope they succeed. Success to the point where they don’t need to find regular jobs.

That’s really my wish for artists. I care less about their fame or fortune; what matters more is stability. I’d like them to earn enough to keep creating without the burden of rent looming over them.

Sometimes, in the music world, all you need is to write a couple of great songs and hold onto the rights. Almost Monday hopefully has that figured out. Anything beyond that would be a bonus.