Ohio’s finest indie stalwarts Smug Brothers are back, dropping the lead visual for their brilliant new single ‘Extra All The Time’. The track offers an irresistible preview of their upcoming long-player, 'Pinhole To Vortex', scheduled for release this September.
While so many groups spend their entire run attempting to construct monumental artistic statements, Smug Brothers have carved out a space as one of America's most criminally overlooked acts. Their weapon has always been subtlety: quietly unearthing crooked guitar figures, soaring melodies, and power-pop hooks that slip past your defences and stick in your head for days.
'Pinhole To Vortex' expands that signature sound into a rich, sprawling musical universe. The studio process began in June 2024, with frontman Kyle Melton, drummer Don Thrasher, bassist Kyle Sowash, and guitarist Ryan Shaffer churning through more than twenty-five tracks across four core rhythm sessions and a solo acoustic outing.
"As usual, Don and I tracked the foundations together," says Melton. "But songs kept appearing. I'd still be writing things for the record during the final sessions."
That unhurried, organic assembly gives the record an expansive, lively texture. Highlighting the album's scope is ‘Extra All The Time’, a jangling, hyperactive slice of power-pop that delivers multiple instant hooks before you even realise what hit you.
Elsewhere, track highlights include the freeway-tempo 'Exit to Chagrin', the angular propulsion of 'Blitz Meridian', and the kaleidoscopic slow-dance 'Picasso Waltzes'—which features a sudden burst of soaring brass. The album finishes on 'Drive Open In The Delicate Streams', a track conceived over two decades ago that finally features a guest appearance from former bandmate Brian Baker on keyboards.
With handmade cover collages crafted by Melton himself, 'Pinhole To Vortex' stands as an unvarnished testament to pure songcraft. You can watch the new video and stream ‘Extra All The Time’ across all major streaming platforms today. Be sure to follow Smug Brothers on Instagram, Facebook, and Bandcamp to stay up to date with future tour announcements and pre-orders.
