Gun control and Russian Moles are on my TV
Blue screens destroy all dreams
While we’re spilling the tea
Mental illness is gonna kill us
Straight outta Astoria, GIFTSHOP merges talents from The Hi-Scores (NYC) and Rochester’s Bee Eater and White Cotton Panties. They carved out a niche with their 21st-century blend of punk, alternative rock, and pop, laying it down on their five-song “800 Million” EP. Their live shows are a force to be reckoned with, especially in their home stomping grounds in Queens. Their song Things I Feel was featured on the 2022 season finale of ABC’s hit series The Rookie.
The band’s lineup features Meghan Taylor on vocals, Matt Santoro on guitar, Damian Eckstein on bass, and Jordan Kramer on drums. GIFTSHOP’s songwriting stretches across pop-punk, rockabilly, grunge, and even a stellar power ballad. Meghan Taylor’s vocals steal the show, shifting from a riot grrl snarl to raw, heartbreaking vulnerability.
GIFTSHOP rolls out their new album, A Bunch Of Singles, a sharp collection of ear-catching tracks. This nine-song lineup blends pandemic-era singles with five fresh cuts that hop genres with ease. With noteworthy guest artists from the New York music scene, GIFTSHOP continues to make their mark since hitting the scene in 2007.
More Than That paints a grim picture of modern life, taking aim at big pharma, media sensationalism, and societal indifference. It tackles the heavyweights—gun control, espionage, mental illness—showing the chaos and the scramble for meaning. There’s pain, fear, and wasted time, with conventional therapy and sobriety tossed aside for a harsh self-awareness.
Stylish Junkie tells the tale of a character with a wild fashion sense, teetering on the edge. Beneath the flashy exterior, there’s a struggle, a desire for escape. The highs and the lows clash, with the stylish junkie living for the night, caught between allure and a sense of lost direction. There’s You expresses deep loneliness and hidden pain, emphasizing that despite being broken, the speaker’s struggles are invisible to others. The presence of someone special brings a sense of truth and connection, contrasting with their concealed sorrow. This person seems to offer a glimmer of hope or understanding amidst the speaker’s isolation.
Squirrel Nut Zippers fans will love the bonkers Neo-swing throwback sound – with horn section! – of the raucous Spooky Halloween Christmas Too. Featuring Brendan Stiles (Butterbrain) on trumpet and Jake Warren (The Harmonica Lewinskies) on sax, this song lampoons TikTok trends, particularly “Spooky Halloween Christmas,” blending Halloween and Christmas themes. Santa, with his dark mistress and a flame-adorned black sled, offers a creepy yet festive ride. The scene combines Halloween elements like skulls with Christmas trees, while elves, a naughty list, and pumpkin ale add to the eerie holiday mashup. (Sign us up!)
Kewl With Me sketches a relationship where one finds balance and support in another: tackling life’s hurdles side by side, their plans aligning seamlessly. Outside chatter filters out in favour of helping their partner find what they need. It’s a bond built on mutual respect and unwavering companionship. The Breakthrough delves into the past, highlighting the actions, sacrifices, and wrong turns that have forged the person you see today. Despite the rough roads and misguided choices, there’s a resolve to push forward together. The breakthrough represents conquering challenges as a team. In the end, it underscores the notion that life’s true value lies in what you give, not just what you get.
Astoria holds a special place in the hearts of all Astorians as it paints a lively picture of the beloved NYC neighbourhood. The heart of the community beats at spots like Dominie’s and Athens Square, under the shadow of Hell Gate Bridge. The Broadway stop is the gateway, but it’s not Manhattan—it’s the speaker’s happy place in Queens, inviting everyone to join the local bandwagon and enjoy the vibrant life day or night. (Pro tip: Don’t forget Gregory’s 26 Corner Taverna.)
The video is a charming love letter featuring locals aplenty in a good old-fashioned singalong.
They close out the album with a delightful, riot-girl style cover of Radiohead’s
Creep. Listen to the album below, and order
here.Follow GIFTSHOP:
