The new single from Flowers For The Dead is out now. ‘See-through’ is a grittier, grimier offering than we’re used to from the DC-based alt rock project and we love it!

With its sharper edge, ‘See-through’ is a deeply satisfying, confident and compelling track that judiciously juxtaposes fragile, impassioned, haunting vocals with sludgy rock riffs and pounding percussion.

If this is the direction FFTD is heading, we're definitely along for the ride.

Flowers For The Dead alt rock band

Flowers For The Dead is guitarist and lead vocalist Jessie Szegö, bassist Ella Buskirk, and drummer Ricky ‘Ten Bears’ Martinez.

On the DC scene since 2021, FFTD’s soundscape is suggestive of ‘90s era alternative rock, albeit with a unique, modern twist, and often calls to mind the best of PJ Harvey. The band honed its sonic style playing shows all over the US East Coast, earning a loyal fan following in the process.  

This latest release follows an EP, an album – 2022’s critically-lauded ‘Quiet Corrosion in the Dancing Hall’ – and a string of singles. Trust us, diving into FFTD’s back catalogue is time well spent. 

We were lucky enough to be given early access to ‘See-through’ thanks to us having friends in high places. What's more, we got to speak to frontwoman Jessie about the track and what’s next for Flowers For The Dead. Big shout out to our mate Alex for connecting us. 

For creative muscles, downstroke chugging, and loving what you do, read on!

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Hello Jessie. Please introduce us to Flowers For The Dead. 

I'm Jessie, I play guitar and I sing. Then there's Ella, she plays bass and sings, and Ricky's on drums.

Flowers For The Dead alt rock band

Describe your sound for anyone who hasn’t heard you before. 

I'd describe our sound as ‘90s-inspired alt rock, I like to think we sound like if PJ Harvey and The Breeders had a baby. Maybe some Slint in there somewhere too. 

That’s a great description. Very graphic. Beyond the ones you’ve mentioned there, who are your biggest influences? 

As well as those, definitely other bands like Sonic Youth. I love their organised noise. When writing guitar parts, I often ask myself, what would Thurston Moore play? 

A more recent one would be Feeble Little Horse. We’re all really into them. 

Head Cave Tee skull print graphic t-shirt

The band's going from strength to strength. What’s your secret sauce? 

I don't think we have one. If we did, I think it would be that we just all love what we're doing so much and it shows in our music and live performances. 

It does. We loved 'See-through' the moment we heard it. Please tell us what inspired it. 

Thank you. It was inspired by a falling out we had with someone. I think everyone can relate to the feeling of being lied to or led on. I guess it's sort of about that, seeing someone for who they really are and their true colours. 

Flowers For The Dead guitarist Jessie Szegö | credit @alecpugliese

How does 'See-through' compare to your earlier releases? 

I think this song has more attitude and grit, compared to our previous songs, especially with the style of guitar playing. The muted, downstroke chugging is not something I usually do, but I love that kind of playing. I’ll probably try to include it more in future songs. 

Please do. Where and when did you record it? 

We recorded this back in March at Sonelab Studios in Massachusetts. It was cold as hell there, but it was cool.  

We recorded a bunch of songs there with our producer Justin Pizzoferrato. I honestly don't think this song would've turned out as well as it did without his knowledge and guidance during the recording process. 

Jaws Tee abstract print graphic t-shirt

How are you feeling about releasing the single? 

We're all very excited. This song is a step toward showing people what we've been working on for so long. I think it gives a glimpse into our future releases and the kind of direction our music is going toward. 

What else have you got in the works? 

There's so much we have coming up. We're opening up for Dismemberment Plan at The Atlantis [in Washington DC] in a couple of weeks, which is pretty crazy. We're excited for that.  

We’re hopefully gonna tour some more this fall, and we're getting ready to release tons more music. 

Flowers For The Dead bassist Ella Buskirk

Can't wait to hear it. What are your dreams for the band? 

Not to get corny, but my dream is for us to play until we can't anymore; just to play as many shows, and release as many records, as possible. I love my friends and want to do this with them for as long as my body will allow me to. 

Sounds like a plan. What advice do you have for anyone starting out in music? 

Honestly, I think I'm still in the receiving advice stage rather than the giving advice stage. But I think the best piece of advice I've ever gotten was from an old music teacher. Being creative really is like a muscle; the more you work out, the stronger the muscle gets. 

I try to keep that in mind every time I write. Write as much as you can. Good or bad, write as many songs as you can.  

Creators gotta create. Thanks so much for chatting with us.  

Thanks for your time. You guys are great! Love the shirts.

Thanks Jessie. ‘See-through’ is a sick track. Good luck with it. Any final words for your fans? 

Thank you for all of your support. It means the world to us!

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▶︎ ‘See-through’ by Flowers For The Dead is streaming now on Spotify, Apple Music and elsewhere. Pour it in your ear holes!

▶︎ Main image by Luna / fisheye and Ella images by Alec Pugliese 

 

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Here are some of our favourite tracks from the sick bands we've interviewed for our blog, The Winchester.

Big thanks to all the incredible artists who've made time to speak with us. Legends all.

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