.stential. release their new single “Act II: Instant Recognition//Effortless Comfort” today, a track that leads into their upcoming EP recorded, mixed, and mastered by Josh Jakubowski at Bird Watcher Studio. The record revolves around mental health, with themes ranging from self-harm and suicide to the need to recognize what’s real and valuable in life. Each song takes the shape of an “act,” carrying its own role in that broader narrative.
Written by Kris while reflecting on his wife, “Act II: Instant Recognition//Effortless Comfort” finds its ground in small details of shared life. “How we have all this silly inside jokes and how she makes me happy,” he explained.
“The lyrics aren’t ‘on the nose’ so to speak but when I sing this song or just listen to it, it reminds me that I found that person and I have that person in my life.” One line in particular holds the weight of that thought: “I have files of pictures and photographs // on these pages I made from scrap.” As Kris put it, it’s a reference to a memory functioning like a file cabinet, storing both the struggles and the moments built from nothing.
The track is credited to Kris, Harry, Dom, Evan, and Dave, with lyrics by Kris. Its artwork—the stential logo paired with a distorted zombie face—was done by Robbie Smith of Heavy Heavy Low Low.
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The band will mark the release with a run of September shows and a short October tour built around their trip to Pittsburgh for Jean Scene Fest. They noted their thanks to Kirkby Kiss, Combat Evolved NJ, False Nine, Having Fun Yet, and to venues Union Firehouse, Silverstream Studios, Flemington DIY, The Meatlocker, and CheeksDIY.
