Album Review // Cheekface // Middle Spoon
3.5/5 stars
The oddball indie trio Cheekface continues their streak of eccentric jams with mildly diminishing returns. Forming in 2017, the self-proclaimed local band of America has been carving its lane in the indie scene over their past four records. With a dry sense of humor filled with one-liners and obscure name-drops and references, the band's lyrics are akin to the absurdist diatribes of Talking Heads or B-52s recordings. Sonically, the band pulls a lot from third-wave ska: the sounds of assertive guitar riffs and horn sections work in tandem with the lyrics to create the singular experience that is listening to a Cheekface record. 2025's Middle Spoon is the band's fifth studio album and the first where the cracks of the threesome's foundation are starting to show. Specifically, the band's esotericism has begun to wear a little thin. Conversely, little chance is taken on the auditory front of the album. While the greater emphasis on horns is appreciated, it is nothing new to the Cheekface canon. However, credit must be given where credit is due — Middle Spoon is still an engaging listen. Most of the weight is pulled by the vocals and lyrics of Greg Katz and Amanda Tannen. They never fail to crack a humorous joke that makes you smile. While not the first record I would recommend for new listeners, Middle Spoon continues to showcase Cheekface's ability to dominate in their lane.
