Breakup Shoes have leveled up their sound and story with the release of their brand-new album Standing Still, out now. Produced by Charlie Brand of Miniature Tigers, the record finds the indie rock band expanding their sonic universe while staying true to the raw, confessional lyricism that fans have come to love. To celebrate, the group also dropped a video for the shimmering lead single “Brainwash.”
“The album chronicles the story of my last few years, centered around feeling dissatisfaction in the status quo,” says guitarist and vocalist Nick Zawisa. “It grapples with feeling unhappy and complacent, stuck dreaming of uprooting my life, which I ultimately did.”
Zawisa adds that Standing Still marks a turning point both personally and musically. “Standing Still was produced by Charlie Brand (of Miniature Tigers) who we found a great sonic match in, and was hugely influential to us. Alongside the help of new band members, he helped craft an album that expands the horizons of the Breakup Shoes sound while keeping the confessional lyricism front and center.”
Lead single “Brainwash” pairs upbeat indie-sleaze textures with self-reflective lyrics. “’Brainwash’ is a song rooted in self-loathing,” Zawisa explains. “Although it’s adorned in upbeat, indie-sleaze inspired, catchy-pop sounds; at its core it’s about wishing you could erase your memories to take another stab at becoming a ‘better’ version of yourself (whatever that means). Whether it’s ridding yourself of bad habits or certain personality traits we’ve internalized, the lyrics romanticize the idea of beginning again.”
With Standing Still out now, Breakup Shoes deliver an album that feels both restless and resolved — a soundtrack to the growing pains of change, packed with big hooks, bigger emotions, and an honesty that hits home.