What do REM, Lou Reed, and Mac DeMarco have in common? They comprise just a handful of primary influences for rising indie artist, Super Tuesday. The brainchild of Alex Kisch, this bold yet reflective new project is his first solo iteration.
Originally earning a name for himself as a member of 90s alt-rock group, Dirt Merchants, Kisch has since progressed into a solo career. Like many artists, he turned to music for solace during the chaos and uncertainty of the pandemic. In no time, he was churning out songs from his home studio in New Jersey. Consequently, this creative output ended a prolonged musical hiatus, thereby giving life to Super Tuesday.
Super Tuesday’s influences span a range of genres, from alt-country to folk-pop and urban surf to indie rock, making his vocal and instrumental versatility palpable in every song. Since the birth of his solo career, Super Tuesday has released two albums, Danger City (2021) and Just Right (2022). His upcoming project, Future Tense, is a lyrical exploration of a perpetually changing future in which technological change, social isolation, and death seem to permeate every corner.
Set to greet the world on March 8th, the 13-track collection dives into those dark fears that lurk deep inside, yearns for the good ol’ days, and hopes for a brighter future ahead.
The album’s opening track, “I Know Their Names,” harnesses an upbeat indie rock energy, perfect for blasting on the car stereo as we creep ever closer to spring. Full of groovy guitar hooks, this opening track is certainly a “let loose” kind of song.
Mellowing things out a bit, “These Passing Days” captures a nostalgia for the good ol’ days of youth and innocence. The inventive harmonies of the chorus chant, “Forever chasing youth / Trying to escape the truth,” offering a touch of sadness for things lost. With a note of whimsy, the lyrics make several references to the game of Monopoly, reminding listeners that we don’t get a do-over in life, and things get serious as you grow older.
A more introspective acoustic track, “Slow It Down,” urges listeners to pay attention to the little things in life, and to “find some beauty in it all”. Instead of getting caught up in worrying about everyday concerns, Kisch points toward the bigger picture: “Let it all come into view.”
It’s no surprise that Hollywood is a beacon of constantly shifting trends, and a revolving door of stars who come and go almost overnight. “A magazine / A glamor scene / A broken dream,” sings Kisch on the poignant yet subtly sardonic track, “Hollywood Boulevard.” Perusing the fickle nature of Hollywood, the song tells a familiar tale of fleeting fame and fortune.
Closing with a more hopeful number, “Stephen Pollock Day Parade,” evidences Kisch’s Americana prowess. Another mellow track, the song envisions a world in harmony, “walking hand in hand, sipping lemonade.” Culminating with a positive view of humanity and what happens when we work together, this song is a fitting end to this introspective album.
With an expansive tenure making music throughout the passing decades, Super Tuesday offers genuine wisdom in their songs and does so through catchy instrumentation and quality production. And don’t be fooled by his humble in-home studio beginnings – the man knows how to put an album together and rock.
Be on the lookout for Future Tense to be out on all streaming platforms come March 8th.
