Bug Teeth snarl through grief in the frenzied psychedelic rock “Topiary”

Buzzing synthesizers meet raucous guitar in the hazy “Topiary”, the rhythmic foundation providing a searing contrast to PJ Johnson’s dreamy vocals. Shaded by an ethereal shroud, Johnson’s voice ricochets off of the invigorating rock landscape. “Birds in the trees / The topiary sings / And I, antique form, am crumbling walls,” they sing. With stacked driving drums and synth, plus embellishments from searing guitar riffs and other frenzied instrumentals, “Topiary” is another compelling release from this underground experimental 5-piece thanks to its direct rhythms and lush, dream-pop backbone.

Full of anger and sadness alike, the song pays homage to the dueling feelings within grief after Johnson suddenly lost their mother in 2021. “Imagining life as walking down a corridor, the song sees life changing naturally towards death, growing around grief like a tree. Referencing the work of artist Ivor Abrahams, the lyrics take familiar images of the natural world, and twist the meaning into something more surreal and disturbing,” Johnson says.

Produced by Joel Patchett (King Krule, The Orielles), “Topiary” is one of Bug Teeth’s most searing tracks. Other songs from their discography explore luminary ambient spaces and ultra-dreamy post rock. While this is their first new release in over a year, the band promises there’s more to come in 2025. Formerly supporting bands from the likes of Melody’s Echo Chamber and English Teacher, Bug Teeth is currently embarking on a short tour through the UK. The stint ends on June 1st with a homecoming show at The Brudenell Social Club in the band’s hometown: the creative epicenter of Leeds.