Poems Deliver a Gritty and Musical Breakthrough With "Placebo" in a Stunning Display of Talent
- STAFF
- Apr 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 23
By: Staff
Poems unveil a mesmerizing, emotionally charged masterpiece that cements their place among indie rock’s finest.
We just discovered Poems and their latest release, “Placebo,” and to be completely honest, we cannot believe it took this long to find them. This band is the kind of hidden gem that makes you want to shout from the rooftops. Their sound is both raw and refined, and what they’re doing musically deserves a spotlight. There’s so much to share about this remarkably gifted group of artists who are clearly destined for something greater.
“Placebo” opens with a delicate, almost acoustic-sounding electric guitar, setting a tone that quickly expands into a brighter, more resonant chime. It’s a gradual transformation that feels intentional and cinematic, laying the foundation for the arrival of vocals that immediately command attention. The singer’s voice is singular. It’s gritty and resonant with a kind of ethereal weight, as if it carries generations of emotional history. There’s a vintage edge to the tone, but also something unmistakably future-facing. The sound feels timeless and yet entirely current. It’s the kind of voice that doesn’t just complement the music—it defines it.
And then, these lyrics hit:
Just stay a while / you won’t remember that. I’m in the wild / my head in your center.”
They are delivered with a low-slung baritone that pulses with gravelly resonance, they’re emotionally raw and steeped in a kind of wounded wisdom. The vocal performance evokes the low-end timbre of a bass guitar, thick, grounded, and commanding, yet with an impressive dynamism and control that took us by surprise. Beneath this, the instrumentation is equally gripping. The drums pulse with rolling momentum, each fill intricately placed, propelling the tempo forward while the guitars shimmer and sway in the background. The bassline thunders underneath it all, unifying the sonic landscape with rhythm and intent.
As the drums kick into a particularly intricate fill, there’s a feeling of lift. Like catching a breeze on a sunny coastline. And when the vocals return, their gentle strength is both soothing and powerful. There’s a grain in the delivery, a kind of smoky texture that feels both intimate and vast. Then come the breathy harmonies, almost whispered yet rich, and the band collectively rises into a moment that feels nearly symphonic. It’s as if each member takes a solo without breaking from the group, contributing to an immersive crescendo that’s not just heard but felt.
What also stands out is the tremendous chemistry. The band’s synergy is palpable, and the cohesion in their playing makes it clear that they operate from a place of mutual understanding and creative unity. There’s a seamlessness to the way their parts interlock. It’s not just a collection of instruments but a shared force. Each member feels foundational, not just supportive, to the soundscape they construct.
We also especially enjoyed the breathy and almost whistled harmonies, which felt like a call from another realm. They left us stunned, eyes closed, completely absorbed in the experience. “Placebo” doesn’t just play, it captures your senses, and you willingly comply.
As the track concludes, the final vocal seems to soar into the horizon, fading like the sun behind a desert skyline, and we are left breathless. There's a weight to the ending, a quiet finality that suggests the story doesn't truly conclude but instead drifts onward, lingering in the listener’s memory. It's a closing that encapsulates the track's cinematic scope and emotional urgency, crafting an experience that is at once tranquil and electrifying.
This ability to evoke such atmosphere and feeling speaks to Poems’ masterful command of mood and rhythm. With “Placebo,” they prove they can build entire worlds within a song, worlds that soothe and stir in equal measure. It’s a powerful promise of what’s still to come, and we can’t wait to hear what they reveal next.
Poems’ “Placebo” is a raw and resonant marvel that transforms vulnerability into something timeless and transcendent
Following their formation in Seattle in 2021, Poems relocated to San Diego and have since carved out a distinctive space in the indie rock scene.
The band features Philip Ernest, Grayson Hagopian, Zae Howell, Jeremy Smucker, and Sammuel McCubbin. They draw from a diverse sonic palette. Their influences include the emotive urgency of Interpol, the melodic sway of Hippocampus, the youthful flair of The Wallows, and the brooding sophistication of The National.
They’ve recently graced the stages of historic California venues like The Casbah and The Belly Up Tavern, steadily building a reputation for captivating live performances. With an EP on the horizon, shaped by contributions from seasoned producers and Grammy-winning engineers, Poems are clearly poised to take a major leap forward.
This track was expertly shaped by an exceptional team behind the scenes: mixed by John Catlin, produced by Brian Squillace, and mastered by Grammy-winning engineer John Greenham (Billie Eilish), each bringing their own artistry to Poems’ vision with remarkable finesse.
We’re so excited to have found them and can’t wait to hear more from Poems!
Add "Placebo" by Poems to your playlist, stream it now, and don’t forget to share this breathtaking release.
