Old Coke, a band based in Chicago, draws inspiration from the contemporary Brazilian artist Cildo Meireles’ Coke bottles displayed at the London Tate Modern, which featured hidden political statements including instructions on how to make Molotov cocktails. The band is dedicated to expanding the boundaries of heavy shoegaze music by integrating an array of sonic genres and elements, combining wall-of-sound guitars with dreamy, melancholic vocals and driving drums.
In 2022, Old Coke generated momentum through a series of exceptionally tight and high-energy live performances, graduating from DIY generator gigs to renowned Chicago venues such as Empty Bottle, Bottom Lounge, Sub T, and Schubas, where they shared the stage with the likes of Ringo Deathstarr, Gleemer, They Are Gutting a Body of Water, and Slow Crush.
While their debut EP, Sorted, has already garnered praise from respected underground publications, Seasonal represents their most emotionally charged and musically ambitious project to date. The album is a voyage through the themes of love and loss, featuring tracks such as “Coffee Eyes,” which recounts a psychedelic experience with a girlfriend during lockdown, “Suntinged,” which reflects on a California summer heartbreak, and “Vapor Drunk,” a tender love letter in musical form.
Joe Gac, a member of the Chicago indie band Meat Wave, recorded the percussion on the EP. The mixing was handled by Zac Montez, who has previously collaborated with acts like Cloakroom and Whirr, while the mastering was done by Corey Coffman from Gleemer, known for his work with the West Coast shoegaze scene’s finest, including Modern Color, Soft Blue Shimmer, and Milly.
The guitars, vocals, and bass were recorded over a few weeks by Christopher Ruiz, the band’s guitarist/vocalist, enabling creative freedom beyond the limitations of studio time.
As a result, the EP boasts a dense and multi-layered guitar tone that creates a massive wall of sound.
Catch Old Coke live at the following shows:
April 14th at Empty Bottle in Chicago, IL with Cafe Racer, Noise Shrine, and Beloved DJs
May 7th at Bottom Lounge in Chicago, IL with Ringo Deathstarr and Pleasure Venom
May 13th at The Paramount in Los Angeles, CA with Sleepwalk and Kraus
May 14th at Tower Bar in San Diego, CA
May 15th at The Wayfarer in Costa Mesa, CA
May 24th at Cobra Lounge in Chicago, IL with Sleepwalk and Cold Gawd
June 12th at Sleeping Village in Chicago, IL with Jeff Draco and Topaz
June 21st at The Giant Pennywhistle in Chicago, IL with Fake Eyes and Deadharrie
