Review: Punk Powerhouse Shotgun Funeral Releases "Nicer" EP
IF COMFORT KILLS INSPIRATION, THEN SHOTGUN FUNERAL IS UNCOMFORTABLE AS HELL – Chicago’s DIY music scene has birthed another powerhouse in the form of Shotgun Funeral, a queer three-piece band that seamlessly blends alternative, emo, punk and post-hardcore elements. The trio – consisting of Syd Sargis (vocals and bass), Belle Treece (vocals and guitar) and Collin Salajka Moore (vocals and guitar) – has released their debut EP Nicer, a visceral experience that commands attention and leaves listeners dancing in a mosh pit of raw emotion and cathartic release.
At the heart of Shotgun Funeral’s sound lies a classic punk foundation, evoking the raw, unfiltered energy of the early 2000s. Yet, what truly sets them apart is their deep roots in Chicago’s DIY punk circuits. This grounding infuses their music with an authenticity that resonates deeply with their audience, creating a communal experience that is as fierce as it is exciting and a healing force for anyone attending their shows.
Shotgun Funeral’s live performances are a testament to this. Each show is an electrifying atmosphere where the boundary between the band and the audience blurs, fostering a sense of unity and shared catharsis. It’s a space where extreme emotions are not just expressed but celebrated, where personal struggles are met with collective strength.
“What I love most about this scene is the support,” Sargis says. “There is so much love here from everyone involved in the scene. We’re all cheering each other on consistently. As for people in the scene who come out to shows, they bring an energy like no other. We have a lot of the younger DIY crowd and a lot of old head punks who all come together to jam out. It’s beautiful to see everyone from all sectors combining that energy and becoming one in the crowd.”
Photography Credit: Madison Rease
Diving headfirst into themes of self-destruction, personal struggles and a deliverance of extreme emotions, Nicer doesn’t shy away from its raw delivery and bares all. The four tracks are a journey through the turbulent waters of the human psyche, exploring the darker corners of existence with unflinching honesty. The band’s ability to channel these intense themes into a sonic experience is nothing short of masterful.
“We write from extremes and we’re more likely to go big rather than to be understated,” Moore says. “We like to experiment with the furthest ends of the spectrums of emotion; think extreme happiness and extreme sadness, rather than little joys or little slumps.”
Nicer opens with “Em33,” a burst of energy, immediately pulling the listener into a whirlwind of sound and sentiment. The raw vocals, backed by gritty guitar riffs and relentless drum beats, create a soundscape that is both chaotic and cathartic. This dynamic range, from explosive outbursts to punchy melodies, mirrors the complexities of the subjects they tackle.
In “Josh Won’t Tell,” Moore shreds with a furiously focused intensity, setting the stage for what quickly becomes a frenzy of sound. This opening onslaught of guitar distortion is both relentless and exhilarating, pulling listeners into a whirlwind of chaotic energy. As the track progresses, the screeching vocals cut through the dense layers of sound, adding an edge of raw emotion and urgency. The darker and heavier grunge soundscapes crafted by the band in this song are a testament to their ability to push the boundaries of their genre.
“Witching Hour” displays pure emo aggression and fierceness as it expresses feelings of intense devotion, while experiencing deep inner turbulence. The lyricism cuts sharp into the destruction faced by the band, fighting off demons that threaten their artistic integrity. This struggle is palpable throughout “Witching Hour,” with every chord and vocal line dripping with passion and defiance. It’s a song that lays bare the band’s vulnerabilities and strengths, making it a deeply relatable and impactful experience for anyone who has faced similar battles in their own creative journey.
Photography Credit: Madison Rease
“I’d like the listener to feel like they can see what is happening,” Moore says. “In the heavy parts I hope they can see themselves dancing around a mosh pit, or for the more narrative parts I hope they see the imagery as they listen. Objectively, I hope it’s an emotional space that’s exciting and worth returning to. Our goal is for the record to keep you hearing parts you missed on the previous listen.”
Emerging as a surprising stripped-back acoustic and the EP’s closer, “For Good” captures the deep emotional struggle of breaking free from the cycle of unrequited love. The song is a reflection on the passage of time and the growing chasm between the present and the past, a distance that seems to widen and deepen with each passing day. Shotgun Funeral conveys the longing to move forward and leave behind the weight of unresolved feelings.
The lyrics explore the painful yet necessary process of purging memories, shedding the remnants of a love that was never fully reciprocated which is heard throughout the song’s repetitive mantra, “I’m gonna purge all this for good.”
In the midst of difficult times, the band found themselves grappling with a world that seemed to get worse day by day. The EP’s title serves as a reminder that, even when confronted with life’s harshest realities, holding onto “niceness” is not just a choice but a necessity. It’s a call to remain good-hearted and compassionate, even when circumstances try to dictate otherwise.
“The name ‘nicer’ is something we felt matched the songs well,” Moore says. “Things just keep getting worse, but the intention within the music is that it’s worth it to remain nicer instead and remain good in the face of it all. Such a sweet thought on paper, yet we understand that the idea alone can’t help you. The thought that it’s important to hold onto that niceness in times of struggle is what ultimately inspired this record.”
Throughout Nicer, Shotgun Funeral creates moments of catharsis, spaces for reflection and platforms for connection.
