Taking Meds
‘I Hate Me’
Near Mint
Records
A hardcore-emo
quartet originally formed in Rochester in 2012 and now based in Brooklyn,
Taking Meds offers relief for the angst-ridden soul. Featuring singer-guitarist
Skylar Sarkis, screamer-guitarist Ben Kotin, bassist Jon Markson, and
drummer Dan Abzug, the band recently unleashed its sixth release, “I Hate
Me.” Combining post-punk with alternative math rock, the album takes the
listener on a densely packed thrill ride. Guitar-heavy arrangements are
complemented by spatial choruses and lush backing harmonies, while soft singing
and aggressive screams coexist on songs such as “Big Fish” and the title track.
You can lose yourself in the explosive breakdowns of “Inseverable”
and “Lifer.”
Taking Meds will
perform its LP release party with special guests DRUSE, Teenage Halloween,
Coming Down, and Troubleshooter on Friday, August 9, 9pm at Bug Jar, 219 Monroe
Avenue. $8. Ages 18 and over (under
21, will call tickets only). 454-2966. bugjar.com.
This article appears in Aug 7-13, 2019.
