Move over, algorithms and drum machines. Clear the decks for something real. Alex Kisch, operating under the banner Super Tuesday, has just dropped his fourth full-length, Through the Static, and it’s a breath of fresh, guitar-scented air. Landing on June 20th, this album feels timeless, a potent reminder of why we need seasoned songwriters with dirt under their nails and melodies in their bones. Kisch is here to remind us what rocked and still rocks.
For those needing a quick history lesson, Kisch isn’t some fresh-faced kid. He earned his stripes in the gritty ’90s alt-rock trenches as part of Boston’s Dirt Merchants. They toured like crazy, sharing stages with big names like Bush, Fig Dish, Letters to Cleo, and Pond. They carved out critical respect even if that big commercial breakthrough never quite happened. That road-tested experience, that brush with fame, comes through in every note of Through the Static.
Through the Static is basically a guitar lover’s dream come true. Kisch does it all here – singing, writing, producing, playing – and somehow manages to blend indie rock, alt-country, folk-pop, and even this cool “urban surf” thing. You’ll hear echoes of R.E.M.’s jangle, The Replacements’ raw emotion, Wilco’s quirky brilliance, MJ Lenderman’s modern twang, and Twin Peaks’ laid-back vibe. If you caught 2024’s Future Tense, this one’s tighter and more focused, but doesn’t sacrifice any of the sonic exploration.
“Natural Mystery” comes first, and wow, what an opener. From the first note, you know Kisch gets what makes a killer guitar line tick. It’s jangly, it drives forward, and it grabs you immediately – honestly, tracks like this feel pretty rare these days. But there’s more going on under that catchy surface. There’s this subtle sadness woven into the chorus that just hits different. The message is crystal clear: guitars take the spotlight here, and they sound fucking incredible.
Then, Kisch throws a surprise. “Carpe Diem” kicks off with this unexpected electronic beat that catches you off guard. Here’s where Kisch reveals his secret weapon: that voice of his. The guy sounds like your old buddy sharing something real over a beer. It’s all death and loss, and yeah, that drum-machine pulse really drives home the whole mortality thing – time keeps ticking whether you’re grieving or partying.
The title track, “Through the Static,” is where things get really good. It’s built on this guitar riff that’s so infectious it should come with a warning label. Picture Kurt Vile at his absolute best – that’s the vibe we’re talking about. It’s got this effortlessly cool, psychedelic jangle that just worms its way into your brain and sets up camp. Pure indie rock heaven, no question. Then “Lucky Stars” comes in and completely switches things up, taking us into this dusty, gorgeous alt-country space. You can practically taste the dust and feel that warm sun on your face.
Halfway through the album, “Cliffridge (Part 2)” gives us this gorgeous little piano break with some soft vocals floating in the background. It’s one of those quiet moments where you can just breathe and think – a melancholy breather that feels totally earned rather than thrown in just because. And wow, does it set up “Soaking Up the Silence” perfectly. This one’s got that classic R.E.M. jangle written all over it – you know, that Athens, Georgia sound with the shimmering guitars and laid-back groove. It’s like musical comfort food. Seriously, listening to it feels like putting on that t-shirt you’ve had forever and just love.
Getting closer to the end, “The Right Thing” shows up and completely mesmerises you. At about 5 minutes, it takes its sweet time building this incredible atmosphere. Talk about a slow burn that’s worth the wait – Kisch really knows how to build tension and create a mood. Then “Orphans” rolls in with that alt-country twang we heard earlier, and it just fits. The album keeps digging into those tough stuff – loss, hardship, you name it.
For the finale, we get “Your Time Has Come” stripped down to its bones – just folk-inspired simplicity. You know how some songs fall apart when you take away all the production? Not this one. The melody’s gentle but haunting, bringing to mind Elliott Smith at his most vulnerable. What a way to end things – quiet, moving, and somehow managing to wrap up all those big life questions the album’s been asking without making a fuss about it.
Through the Static is all death and loss (“Carpe Diem,” “Orphans,” “Your Time Has Come”), regret (“Cliffridge”), love (“My Love Don’t Sleep”), and identity issues (“Soaking Up The Silence,” “Natural Mystery”). Yet, crucially, it never feels maudlin or overwrought. There’s a hard-won wisdom, a resilience, and sometimes even a wry smile woven through the melancholy. “
Through the Static stands tall. It’s a rock record with brains and heart, made by a guy who’s been there, done that, and still has plenty to say – and more importantly, knows exactly how to say it with killer guitars and unforgettable melodies. Alex Kisch might have been part of the scene that almost made it big in the 90s, but with Super Tuesday, and particularly with this album, he proves he’s making his most essential music right now. This is the sound of summer 2025, and it fucking rocks.