If members of Vivian Girls, Best Coast, La Sera, and Hole formed a band together, how good would their music be? Listen to “Oxfords and Wingtips”, the first single by Los Angeles band Upset, and find out.
I think the answer you’re looking for is really, really good. Comprised of Ali Koehler (Vivian Girls, Best Coast), Jennifer Prince (La Sera), and Patty Schemel (Hole), Upset wear the influences of their previous bands on their sleeves. But isn’t the whole usually greater than the sum of its part?
Well, in this case, it’s at least just as good. “Oxfords and Wingtips” has a darker, more melancholy sound than the typically sun-drenched feel of the other bands (well, except for Hole), while keeping the giant melodic hooks.
And speaking of their sound, it seems only fitting that Kyle Gilbride (Waxahatchee, Swearin’) produced Upset’s upcoming debut LP, She’s Gone.
Quite a record to look forward to then. If you can’t wait, check out this live set at El Cid last month to hear more songs off their upcoming record. Did you notice that Katy Goodman (Vivian Girls, La Sera) is playing bass with them at this gig? I’ve gone through this review without once writing “supergroup”, but it’s getting harder and harder to avoid it now.
She’s Gone is out on 29 October through Don Giovanni Records. You can follow Upset on Twitter and Facebook.