Cheekface - "Living Lo-Fi"

The Minutemen coined the phrase “jam econo.” It was an ethos that they followed, where they lived frugally in order to focus completely on their art. This phenomenon immediately came to mind when I first listened to a new album from a more recent L.A.-based trio, Cheekface. Though the Minutemen took themselves quite seriously, Cheekface is more playful when they ask both themselves and their listeners whether or not they’re “living lo-fi,” which, in essence, pokes fun at a certain type of scene/indie rock purist. It’s one of several songs on their new album, Middle Spoon, where they’re blithely self-deprecating. 

Cheekface explores some of the norms and expectations amongst independent music circles on “Living Lo-Fi,” that’ll earn you that coveted indie rock street cred. They kind of indirectly acknowledge that some may be extreme. Whether it’s taking the last few drags on already discarded cigarette butts, saving money by crashing at your practice space, or using frozen foods to reduce bodily swelling, to be truly pure, you’re expected to endure a lot. Nevertheless, Cheekface delivers this message with an upbeat, tongue-in-cheek tone that reminds me a whole lot of They Might Be Giants. The song is a catchy and fun social commentary on what it means to be punk.

Stream the track below!

You can get Cheekface’s music via Bandcamp. Keep up with them via Instagram.