The Pauses released their first new single in five years “I Cocoon” last fall on Trash Casual Records. The band consist of Tierney Tough (vocal/bass/keyboards), Jason Kupfer (guitar/electronics), and Nathan Chase (drums), who have crafted this specific conclave of self-proclaimed “beep-boop” indie rock since 2009. 

Their music is unadulterated indie genius, an effortless brew of unkempt riff-rock, melodic slow-core and art-pop in ringtone character, with a nod to brass and retro futurism. Their sonic morphing has been non-stop in Orlando, and this new track is the deepest dive into heavy, grungier hums. The lyrics detail an uninvited cocooning, “When all these paranoias are out to get me.” Markedly punchy guitar riffs thwack: both a repetitious twining like the physical manifestation of mental ruminations, and the trapped psyche trying desperately to “be free,” as Tough sings. 

Jason Kupfer produced the single, and it was recorded by longtime collaborator James Dreffen at The Vacuum. The band are excited to be working alongside Emmy- and Annie-nominated Matt Mahaffey, notable for the band Self and for his composition work such as the Expedia.com jingle and children’s show “Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”. The new song was mixed by Mahaffey and mastered by Dan Coutant. The chimerically dystopian artwork for the track is by Hamburg designer Alex Hanke.

This is not the first time the band has worked with The Recording Greats: their albums “A Cautionary Tale” (2011) and “Unbuilding” (2018) were produced by J. Robbins of Government Issue and Jawbox fame. They toured with legendary band Built to Spill, and their wildest dream came to life when they were invited to open for Jawbox’s reunion tour in 2019. The trio have opened for several renowned artists over the years including: Weezer, Metric, Cindy Wilson (The B-52’s), Pylon Reenactment Society, The Zombies, Silversun Pickups, Cursive, and Otoboke Beaver.

Stream or purchase “I Cocoon” and check out their tour schedule at their official website: http://www.thepauses.com.