Recommended tracks: “waste away,” “stay,” “i give in”
Artists you may like: Ben Quad, Carly Cosgrove, Free Throw
saturdays at your place offer a vulnerable glimpse into the chaos of growing up and experiencing change with their second full-length record, these things happen. The Kalamazoo-based trio, consisting of Esden Stafne (vocals/bass), Gabe Wood (vocals/drums) and Mitch Gulish (guitar), formed during their time in college at Western Michigan University and have since proven themselves as one of emo’s most vibrant blossoming artists.
these things happen brings the reality of navigating adulthood and the complexities of human emotion to the forefront with twinkly guitars, resonant songwriting and an eerie Midwestern ache. The album largely pulls inspiration from Magnolia, the 1999 Paul Thomas Anderson film that explores the chaos of life, coincidence and hope. Similarly to the movie, saturdays at your place provides a relatable, comforting account of what occurs as you continue to grow older and move through life’s many obstacles.
The album begins with a soft, instrumental-only track, “welcome,” before bursting into their signature Midwest emo flair with “cross my heart.” The song is a great introduction for what’s to come on these things happen with its self-reflective lyrics, urgent vocal delivery and upbeat instrumentals.
The stunning opening riff of “waste away” almost transports you back into that iconic era of mid-2010s Midwest emo, with its sound reminiscent of bands like Modern Baseball and Mom Jeans. The trio tackles feeling helpless and lonely, and fantasizing about the world long after you’ve left it. “what am i supposed to do?” builds upon the theme of spiraling thoughts, this time dealing with people-pleasing tendencies and a struggle with individuality. The single’s mid-tempo production feels light and bouncy in contrast to its emotionally heavy lyricism.
If the influence of their home state wasn’t already clear, “i’d rather be in michigan” delivers an achingly stellar narrative of feeling homesick and craving stability despite never-ending tour cycles. “Long Island’s lonely, I can’t take it anymore / I’m waiting for the waves to come along and freeze me to the shore” and “I think of all the miles separating me from home / and wonder why I made the hurry to get back and be alone” highlight the isolation that occurs while on the road and the struggles to be optimistic about it despite the amazing opportunities that come with taking that step. Between the infectious production and painstakingly honest lyrics, “i’d rather be in michigan” is one of the album’s defining and most impactful moments.
As these things happen begins to wind down, saturdays at your place continue to exhibit a heartfelt and personal manifestation of the complexities of the human condition. “stay” is another distinctive track that deals with mental health struggles and not wanting to feel alone anymore. “loon mobile pt. 3” is a sincere and moving tribute to love and loss. The track incorporates the trio’s signature Midwestern influence with an honest and raw story of losing someone and realizing that your presence didn’t mean as much to them as you thought.
Wood delivers a moving vocal performance on the record’s closing track, “i give in.” The dramatically heartfelt song deals with codependency and trauma and wraps up the theme of the album with sincerity. The breakdown later in the song is one of the most powerful moments on these things happen. It feels cinematic through its ability to communicate the song’s emotional significance without any words sung, which is heavily impressive. Speaking on “i give in,” Wood shares,
“I wanted to write that song for a long time. I’ve never felt like I was the right person to offer any sort of unique perspective on that kind of situation, I really didn’t want to get it wrong. But being open and honest about it is actually what I needed to finally let go and forgive and move on.”
these things happen is a culmination of the human experience and everything that comes with it: the brutal emotions, uncertainty, relationships and more. saturdays at your place come into their own and deliver a record full of the Midwestern ache that makes the genre so resonant and valuable. The album is a cathartic release that details the importance of connection, hope and showing up despite feeling lost as you navigate through life.
saturdays at your place will kick off their massive headlining tour next month on October 17th in St. Louis, MO. Tickets and information for the trio’s upcoming shows can be found here.
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