Christopher Patrick Gregory doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He’s got a lot to say, and he’s saying it loudly. Belted Sweater’s self-titled sophomore album, out February 21st via Self Versed Records and Softseed Music, an imprint of Zegema Beach Records, is a wrecking ball of queercore skramz, synths, and seething social commentary. It’s not a comfortable listen, but that’s the point.
“This album is about what I see and what I want to see in the LGBT community”
It’s a full-throttle critique of the mainstream gay community’s drift toward the center, delivered with the kind of fury that doesn’t come cheap.
“The first eight songs on this album are kind of about me lamenting what I see as the mainstream gay community’s move to the center. The last song is using my own experiences, full of joy and love, as the reason I want it to be more radical—to push for more social change against right-wing headwinds.”, says Christopher.
This isn’t just anger for the sake of anger.
Christopher wrote, produced, and played nearly everything on the album—guitar, bass, synths, drums, and all the guttural, scraping vocals.
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The drum tracks, massive and unrelenting, were recorded at Steve Albini’s (RIP) Electrical Audio, a fitting choice for an album this raw. J. Robbins of Jawbox handled the mix, sharpening the edges where necessary but leaving the bruises visible.
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Belted Sweater opens with “Meat Pink,” a screamo dance anthem that doesn’t just hit—it cuts. A driving bass groove locked into a relentless four-on-the-floor beat sets the stage for Christopher’s lyrical dissection of a final moment in life.
“A sliver of flesh dissolves/in covetous earth/Of meaning, dearth.” That Catholic school upbringing didn’t stand a chance against the kind of self-exorcism happening on “Intercessor,” a track that turns a reggaeton beat inside out while Christopher claws his way out of 12 years of indoctrination.
Then there’s the closer, “Bi–Hulud,” a screamo-infused dream pop track that doesn’t just demand queer love to be seen—it makes it undeniable. “His hairy chest is heaven/More salt than pepper bliss/His smile, a fucking blessing/Fingers entwined, limp wrists.”
It’s as much a love letter as it is a battle cry, laying bare the reason Christopher wants to push for more.
Belted Sweater tour dates
February 15th // Riverside, CA // Back to the Grind
February 16th // San Diego, CA // The Che Cafe
February 17th // Fresno, CA // Sour Milk
February 18th // Eureka, CA // Savage Henry’s
February 19th // Portland, OR // Turn! Turn! Turn!
February 20th // Eugene, OR // Winery 255 Madison
February 21st // Berkeley, CA // 924 Gilman
February 22nd // Los Angeles, CA // The Smell
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