Two Whatevers
The Sonic Smoothie You Didn’t Know You Needed
Chicago’s music scene is a vibrant tapestry, and woven into its ever-evolving pattern is the delightfully unclassifiable duo, Two Whatevers. Described by themselves (and now, us) as a genre-bending concoction of folk, funk, pop, punk, shoegaze, no-new-wave, hiphop, and rock. Two Whatevers is Eben Hewitt on guitar and vocals, and Alison Brown on bass and vocals. Forget neat boxes and tidy labels. Their sound is a glorious mess; a sonic smoothie where disparate ingredients somehow blend into something surprisingly delicious.
So, how exactly do you whip up a Two Whatevers?
The recipe, as provided by the band themselves, is as intriguing as their music. It starts with a foundational blend of influences, a veritable who’s who of musical icons that gives a glimpse into the eclectic nature of their sound. Imagine the groove of Funkadelic mingling with the gravelly storytelling of Tom Waits. Picture the quirky wit of Cake rubbing shoulders with the cool confidence of the Pretenders. Now, throw in the raw power of Tupac, the sharp lyricism of Elvis Costello, and the unexpected twang of Sturgill Simpson and Merle Haggard. Add the smooth sophistication of Lionel Richie, the streetwise swagger of Cypress Hill, the irreverent humor of the Dead Milkmen, and the expansive soundscapes of Pink Floyd. Already, you can feel the sonic possibilities bubbling.
But the Two Whatevers recipe isn’t just about musical influences. It’s about the unexpected additions, the little flourishes that make their sound uniquely theirs. A touch of nostalgia with a Little Debbie Snack Cake, a hint of indulgence with some Prada Vanilla Ice Cream, and a shot of grit with Old Grandad Whisky. Dump all of this – the musical legends, the sugary treats, the potent spirits into a blender. Give it a whirl, and what emerges is the distinctive, intoxicating sound of Two Whatevers.
Their music is a reflection of this eclectic mix. You might hear a funky bassline underpinning a melancholic folk melody, or a punk rock energy infused with a shoegaze haze. Eben and Alison’s vocals weave together, sometimes trading off, sometimes harmonizing, adding another layer of texture to their sonic tapestry. It’s a sound that keeps you on your toes, never quite sure what to expect, but always engaged.
Road Tripping
And now, the world gets a taste of this unique blend with the release of their debut record, Road Tripping. The title itself hints at the journey their music takes you on: a winding, unpredictable ride through various sonic landscapes. If their self-described recipe is any indication, “Road Tripping” is likely a collection of songs that defy easy categorization, each track a different flavor in their sonic smoothie.
Two Whatevers are more than just a band; they’re a statement. A statement that music shouldn’t be confined by genre boundaries, that disparate influences can coexist and create something new and exciting. They are a testament to the power of creativity and the joy of embracing the unexpected.
So, if you’re tired of the same old sounds and are ready for something truly different, something that will make you tap your foot, nod your head, and maybe even ponder the meaning of it all, then it’s time to experience Two Whatevers. Grab their debut record, “Road Tripping,” and prepare to be taken on a sonic journey you won’t soon forget. Just be warned: you might find yourself craving a Little Debbie and a shot of Old Grandad afterwards.
Catch them on the road today!
Check out their website and follow them on social media: TWO WHATEVERS WEBSITE
