Brooklyn indie-rock darlings Pom Pom Squad released their sophomore EP ‘Ow’ last year and are now sharing their first new music of 2020 — a vibrant bubble-grunge love song Red With Love. The dazzling video was filmed at Brooklyn DIY space The Baumann and NYC venue The Dance — it was one of the last videos shot there before its scheduled closing on February 18, 2020.
Lead singer/guitarist Mia Berrin explains the track: “‘Red’ is my first proper love song and a pretty unguarded look into my heart, my relationship anxiety, and my acceptance of my own queerness. The first time I walked into The Dance, I was so inspired. I knew it was the perfect place to capture the feel of this song. I’m sad to see it go.”
Watch the video for Red With Love via YouTube below.
The four-piece reminiscent of early Hole, Mitski and PJ Harvey has become a staple in Brooklyn for their modern grunge sound and raucous live shows, sharing the stage with indie-rock mainstays like Soccer Mommy, Adult Mom, Pronoun, Miss June and more.
When you hear Pom Pom Squad, you might picture a gaggle of matching teens, or a wry, sarcastic clan decked out in black; the reality is somewhere in between. Alongside Berrin, the band features bassist Mari Alé Figeman, drummer Shelby Keller, and guitarist Alex Mercuri. Hailing from a variety of different backgrounds — from Keller’s jazz training to Berrin’s classic hip-hop and new wave upbringing — the group manages to be serious without taking themselves too seriously. It’s that balance of solemnity and whimsy that allows punk and tenderness to live side by side: chunky, distorted guitar on some tracks, and near-whisper on others; brash yells or tame, wry wit.
Berrin’s music reveals internal discord — she’s intent to cast off the “nice girl” narrative, turning herself inside out to show that she isn’t so put-together after all. Also integral to Berrin’s self-excoration is her existence as a queer woman of color, two identities that come with their own preconceived notions. With lyrics centering on mental health, abuse, trauma, and healing, Pom Pom Squad pursues radical self-acceptance through periodic self-exposure and self-undressing.
This year, they just announced an east coast tour with Wisconsin buzzband Disq, also playing San Francisco’s Noise Pop Festival alongside Rosie Tucker and SXSW – tour dates below & here.
Tour dates
2/26: San Francisco, CA @ Noise Pop Festival w/ Rosie Tucker
3/13-22: Austin, TX @ SXSW
4/4: Chicago, IL @ Schubas Tavern w/ Disq
4/6: Detroit, MI @ PJ’s Lager House w/ Disq
4/7: Toronto, ON @ The Drake w/ Disq
4/9: Boston, MA @ Great Scott w/ Disq
4/10: New York, NY @ Rough Trade w/ Disq
4/11: Philadelphia, PA @ Boot & Saddle w/ Disq
4/12: Washington, DC @ Songbyrd w/ Disq
