Album by Cheekface

This one is quirky, catchy, and a lot of fun on the surface, but there’s more going on underneath than it first lets on.

It sits somewhere between indie rock, pop, and punk — the kind of thing that feels a little off to the side of all of them. It reminded me a bit of They Might Be Giants, Cake, and, oddly enough, Jonathan Richman — especially in how it uses humor, vocal phrasing, and simple, punchy arrangements to pull you in.

But like those artists, this isn’t just novelty — there’s real songcraft here.

What makes it work for me is how it delivers its ideas. The music is bouncy, the hooks are immediate, and the lyrics often feel abstract at first. But that lightness ends up doing a lot of work. It’s almost like a spoonful of sugar — the songs are fun and easy to latch onto, but they’re carrying observations about identity, routine, and the way the systems around us can grind people down.

“The Fringe” sets the tone early, playing like an anthem for weirdness that’s both sincere and a little tongue-in-cheek. “Popular 2” is another standout — super catchy, with a chorus that feels built for people to shout along to, while also hinting at something more observant about how we present ourselves and get seen.

“Life in a Bag” might be the one that stuck with me the most. It leans into that humor, but there’s something heavier sitting underneath it — this idea of going through the motions, feeling boxed in, and trying to make sense of it. Lines that seem throwaway at first start to feel a little sharper the more you sit with them.

“Don’t Stop Believing” is a bit of a shift. It pulls back from the usual bounce and lands in something more subdued and reflective. It still fits with the rest of the album, but without as much of the wink — the wordplay is still there, just a little more direct, which makes it stand out.

“Plastic” might be the best example of what they do. It sounds like a hit — bright, upbeat, easy to latch onto — but the ideas underneath it are a lot bleaker. That contrast is where the song really lives.

The rest of the album keeps that same balance. “Grad School” drifts through that sense of routine and autopilot. “Trophy Hunting at the Zoo” is quick and jagged, like a burst of frustration. “There Were Changes in the Hardcore Scene” leans into that mix of identity and belonging, with that same slightly sideways perspective.

Front to back, this is just a really enjoyable listen. It’s funny, it’s catchy, and it never feels like it’s trying too hard, but there’s enough going on under the surface to keep it from being disposable.

I guess this means I’m a Cheekface fan now.

Verdict: Great

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