Influences: chokecherry

chokecherry‘s Izzie Clark and E. Scarlett Levinson spent their adolescent years on a musical diet that stretched across ’90s post-rock, pop, indie, alt-rock, hardcore, metal and queer bands and artists. It led the Bay Area duo to develop a sound that shimmers with a shoegaze-tinged allure, multiple-part harmonies, and the occasional punk bite. Their recently released debut album, ‘Ripe Fruit Rots and Falls’, captures their sonic complexity to a tee.

Yet under the surface is an aching emotional narrative, one that guitarist/vocalist Izzie and bassist/vocalist E. Scarlett question their position in the current state of the world. Though moments of romantic loss emerge, the lyrical essence of ‘Ripe Fruit Rots and Falls’ is one of lost youth and the realisation that the future you dreamt of isn’t going to happen. It creates a backbone of empathy and humanity, decorated by ethereal moments such as ‘Secrets’ and ‘Pretty Things’. Whereas moments like ‘Part of You’ and ‘February’ demonstrate their broad sound palette, blending dreamy melodies with raw urgency. This abrasive edge is pushed to the forefront on ‘You Love It When’ and ‘Major Threat’. Fundamentally, chokecherry delivers a beguiling record that offers musical and lyrical depth.

Having grown up indulging in a wide range of genres, it made sense to ask Clark and Levinson to pin down a handful of bands and artists that helped shape ‘Ripe Fruit Rots and Falls’. Learn all about six records that influenced chokecherry‘s impressive debut album.

Tamaryn – Cranekiss

Izzie: I discovered this album this year, and have had it on repeat ever since. It’s the perfect album for driving up the California coast. It was produced by Chris Coady, who produced two tracks on our debut record. (Seriously, Chris can do it all!)

Autolux – Future Perfect

E. Scarlett: Sonny Diperri (producer, engineer and mixer) showed me this album, and I feel it’s a perfect 10. I listen to this record almost every time I’m on a plane; it’s one of the only things downloaded on my phone. The clever lyrics, catchy riffs, and gritty guitar tones totally inspired me, as well as the seamless flow between tracks. My personal favourite section is ‘Here Comes Everybody’ into ‘Asleep at the Trigger’ into ‘Plantlife’. I also love the interplay between vocalists and the different characters they embody. If you want to know me, listen to this album.

Wife – The Importance of Daydreaming

Izzie: This is some of the best new SF punk – driving riffs with real interplay between bass and guitar, and Char Castagna’s storytelling is so tense and personal. Siena holds it down on drums, giving the whole thing this raw, live energy. One of my favourite records from the new San Francisco scene, just a really tight band

Lomelda – Thx

E. Scarlett: Nothing feels more cathartic than crying to Lomelda alone in my room after a night out. Hannah Reed is a brilliant songwriter, and it’s hard for me to choose a favourite album of hers, but ‘Thx’ is a great starting place for all who are new to the wonder that is Lomelda. Every time I hear Hannah’s voice, I feel like I’m being spoken to by someone who is trying to help me through the hardest emotions. It’s some of the most vulnerable and personal songwriting out there.

DIIV – Frog in Boiling Water

Izzie: This is DIIV at their finest – the sweltering mood of the tracks conveys a feeling of urgency and dystopia, tinged with the blood drawn by corporate America. ‘Soul-net’ perfectly encapsulates the feeling of discovering a CIA internet conspiracy rabbit hole – metallic and questioning. The album is also immaculate live – Scarlett and I went to see DIIV play in Ventura early on in our album’s recording process. Also produced by Chris Coady (can you tell why we wanted to work with him?)

Beach House – Depression Cherry

E. Scarlett: This is one of my most listened to records of all time. The soaring harmonies and guitar leads get me every time I listen. I never grow tired of them. It sounds so full.

We were lucky enough to work with producer Chris Coady on our album. He produced two tracks (‘Pretty Things’ and the title track) and mixed our whole record. He co-produced and co-mixed ‘Depression Cherry’ too (along with Beach House’s ‘Thank Your Lucky Stars,’ ‘Bloom,’ and ‘Teen Dream’). Chris’ knowledge, focus, and humour made our record what it is. Spending time with him is a gift.