AtanariaChokecherry’s debut EP, Messy Star, released on October 25, 2024, via Fearless Records, is a spectacular fusion of sound that transcends typical genre boundaries. With this EP, the San Francisco trio—comprising Izzie A. Clark, E. Scarlett Levinson, and Abri Crocitto—has crafted a refreshing, raw, and luminous take on alternative rock, weaving grunge and shoegaze elements into an intense five-track experience that is equal parts gritty and ethereal.
Opening with “No Other Place,” Chokecherry sets an immersive tone, blending reverb-rich guitars with emotionally charged lyrics that resonate with themes of escapism and belonging. Izzie’s vocals feel like they’re floating in the soundscape, while Scarlett’s powerful bass lines and Abri’s drumming intensify the song’s energy. The track beckons listeners into a dreamlike world, setting the stage for an emotionally charged journey.
The second track, “Afterglow,” pushes further into grunge territory. Here, the interplay between distorted guitar riffs and captivating melodic hooks creates a compelling sense of movement, like a late-night drive through dimly lit streets. Izzie and Scarlett’s vocals play off each other, deepening the song’s intensity and giving it a raw, magnetic quality.
“Messy Star,” the EP’s title track, is a standout moment. This song masterfully balances pop sensibilities with spoken-word lyrics and shoegaze-inspired ambiance. Izzie’s haunting voice merges with Scarlett’s deep bass lines in a soundscape that’s as chaotic as it is controlled, capturing the delicate tension between introspection and release.
“I Know You” slows down the EP’s tempo, offering a sun-soaked melody and introspective lyrics that reveal the band’s California roots. The track blends moments of light and shadow, using tempo shifts to build a melancholic, almost cinematic depth.
Closing with “Mirror Mirror,” a hard-hitting rock piece that showcases Chokecherry’s versatility, the EP reaches a fittingly climactic end. With crushing guitar riffs and a grunge-fueled chorus, the track embodies the band’s talent for merging genres, leaving a lingering sense of mystery that encapsulates Messy Star‘s unique blend of introspection and unrestrained energy.
Throughout Messy Star, Chokecherry demonstrates an impressive command of their influences while forging a sound unmistakably their own. Drawing from shoegaze and grunge giants like My Bloody Valentine and Nirvana, the trio brings a modern, authentic spin to these genres, creating music that feels deeply personal and universally resonant. Messy Star is a remarkable debut, signaling that Chokecherry is a rising force in alternative rock—a band whose journey is only just beginning, with boundless promise ahead.
