“Just when we thought they couldn’t do it again, AWA proves us wrong” — “This is Teamwork!” and “Dunce Hat” Review

San Diego’s dearly beloved emotional rock and roll band Aren’t We Amphibians has done it again, twice (so far)! The first two singles from their PNWK debut record “Parade! Parade!” entitled “Dunce Hat” and “This Is Teamwork!” have been released into the wild!

The lead single, “Dunce Hat” came out back on August 5th. This one is for all who feel as if they are failing themselves and those around them due to feelings of stagnancy in their lives, as well as giving yourself some grace and time to grow. Lyrically starting off feeling bad about watching people succeed faster than you, and then coming to the conclusion that “a little self love” and just following through with the little things can take you a long way. The lyrics changing in the final chorus brings everything together in the end, “Fighting back was easier than I had ever guessed/Fighting back and I’m finally finding some success.” Musically, we get fast paced drums that keep the song pushing, a short, but very groovy B section instrumental that transitions us back to circle pitting to a more positive spin on the lyrics from the first sections. “Dunce Hat” finishes off with twenty two seconds of chaotic riffage and screamed lyrics that screech to a halt, and after a deep exhale upon its end, we can feel proud of ourselves for growing as a person, even if it is not as fast as those around us.

Just when we thought they couldn’t do it again, AWA proves us wrong with their follow up, “This Is Teamwork!,” released on 9/2. Featuring riffs and breakdowns, horns, and a Jeb Bush sample, this single has it all and has been incredibly well received. Beginning with a very bouncy riff and guitar tapping galore, it is sure to get a room jumping and grooving for approximately three minutes and twenty five seconds. Lyrically, this tune differs more from the previous single, facing feelings of self seclusion and “digging my own grave,” but still finds a happy ending, “I can see the way out/I can see the light/One more time with grace now/To dig myself out this time.”

“Parade! Parade!” comes out via PNWK Records on September 26th! You can (and should) catch them on their upcoming tour with Harrison Gordon and Heart to Gold from 11/7-12/7!