Shellshock Lullaby’s latest single is a shape-shifting, electronic emo anthem. ‘Garffeeld!’ is a musically upbeat song about a lost connection that’s bound to put a smile on your face one way or another.
Based in Butte, Montana, Shellshock Lullaby are a band who have been around, in one guise or another, since 2011. Mainly spearheaded by Russ Nelson’s musical prowess and multi-instrumental capabilities, the group is currently a duo with Nelson accompanied by AJ Puckett on guitar.
‘Garffeeld!’ is the title of their latest single. A song about missing somebody you used to be close to, with that person carrying a particular appreciation for Garfield memes. Yes. The song’s bittersweet concept, showing a protagonist’s journey through emotionally maturing, balancing between missing somebody and navigating personal growth, is mirrored by a similarly unsettled musical environment. The relatively sullen parts with singing are driving, dynamic, and dark, carrying the torch for the song’s emo roots, while they get interjecting by manic riffs, explosive with their breakneck synth arpeggios and rapid drum fills, momentarily removing the song from the realms of emo into those of electronica, rock, with a hint of experimentation.
‘Garffeeld!’ is a totally outstanding musical and lyrical trip. Equally weird and wonderful, a song that is a result of the exciting musical character of Russ Nelson and his zany ideas.
