Los Angeles-based emo rockers, Stretched have returned with a high-energy anthem in new single, “Name Dropper” alongside accompanying visuals. The group’s debut, 2019 demo “Idea Of You”, served to manifest their upbringing in the emo, hardcore scene with influences from acts like Jimmy Eat World, Title Fight, Joyce Manor, and Prince. Developing through consistent performances at their favorite venues, the group continued to hone their take on the genre with 2020’s self-funded Elucidated EP. “Name Dropper” marks the first taste of the EP2 era as the group continues to write for a future release.
“Name Dropper” is the type of song you rush home from the bar for to sing too loud on Rock Band late at night. “Name Dropper” is filled with energy, capturing the spirit of nostalgic favorites, specifically Taking Back Sunday in this case, yet they take them to a fresh, current moment. Expansive riffs carry a feeling of anti-establishment skepticism, keeping phonies at arm’s length in lines like, “Name dropper go and drop my name, you just get overpaid, all the while pushing real people away.”
Still, the overall feeling isn’t jaded, there’s a youthful positivity about the record that is reiterated in the video’s spontaneous approach. The shoot really does a great job at rehashing memories of those mid-two thousands emo videos, while also finding a modern presentation. The theme of fake, greased-back execs are hammed up, as charismatic performances are foiled with over-the-balcony barf sessions, cascading down on big cars and even bigger sports coats.
“Name Dropper” is available to stream now.
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