Grumpy Announce New Album 'Unfindable Ring,' Share Single 'OBL'

Grumpy have announced their new album, Unfindable Ring, arriving October 23 via Bayonet Records, and shared its lead single, “OBL.” The band started as Heaven Schmitt’s solo bedroom project and has since grown into a full five-piece — Anya Good, Ellie Long, Austin Arnold, Diego Clare, and Lane Rodgers rounding out the lineup — and their grungy, glitch-flecked take on alt-country has only gotten more confident with the extra hands on deck.

“OBL” carries the kind of lyrical whiplash that’s become a Grumpy signature, pairing “I’m so happy I could die” against those who say “they’re so happy we could die” — the sly, exhausted humor of a band that’s learned to fold dread and joy into the same breath. The accompanying video leans into a recurring, unsettling character the band has returned to across clips for “Crush,” “Rice,” and “Bird Parts,” with the band noting in the album announcement, “We often wonder in real life: is the guy at the gas station staring because we’re trans?” It’s a blunt, specific line, and it says a lot about how directly this band writes about safety and visibility without ever losing its sense of humor.

Unfindable Ring also folds in “Twenty Five,” a single the band released earlier this year, alongside a run of new material. As a band composed primarily of trans members, Grumpy have built a catalog around exploring acceptance, community, and joy on their own terms — and “OBL” suggests the next record will keep doing that at full, gloriously messy volume.

“OBL” is streaming now. Unfindable Ring is out October 23 via Bayonet Records.

Source: Stereogum