Grunge rock is making a comeback in 2024. Leading the charge is the Brooklyn based quartet Shower Curtain, who are set to drop their first full-length album this Friday, October 18. Following the buzz around their 2021 EP Something Instead, Shower Curtain’s debut, words from a wishing well, arrives as a captivating and deeply introspective release that showcases the band’s growth and depth.
The band is fronted by Brazilian-American artist Victoria Winter (vocals/guitar), alongside Ethan Williams (guitar/vocals), Sean Terrell (drums), and Cody Hudgins (bass). Self-produced by Winter and Williams, words from a wishing well sketches early adulthood experiences in swirling layers of guitars. Winter wrote the songs during her first few years in New York City, and lyrical themes throughout the album revolve around ideas of anxiety, existentialism, community, and self-reflection.
The album opens with the single “benadryl man”, a resounding track that situates Shower Curtain perfectly within a neo-Grunge space. The driving guitar strumming and steady drums remind one of Slowdive or Mazzy Star while feeling entirely fresh and relevant. Violins and cellos shriek in fevered improvisations among the mix of fuzzed out guitars during the song’s coda. This effect further drives home the song’s theme of fear and anxiety.
Another highlight early on during the album’s path includes the lead single “wish u well”, which showcases the band’s ability to stick to a pop sensibility amid a heavier studio production. The listener can truly appreciate the creative choices made while recording this album.
With the final song of the album’s first half, “you’re like me”, it’s clear that Shower Curtain has refined their songwriting, blending atmospheric guitar lines with introspective lyrics that evoke a sense of searching for a glimmer of hope in companionship. Winter sings during the verse, “See you looking at me, is it what I’m thinking. I have to believe in the words you tell me. They are just as empty.” Their collective sound is a refreshing look backwards to a time when indie bands played through pawn shop, Peavey amplifiers, and wore oversized sweaters and jeans.
“bedbugs” and “starpower” offer more up-tempo moments, with jangly guitars and punchy drums reminiscent of mid 1990s indie rock. These tracks still ooze with sludgy excellence while providing a welcome contrast to the album’s more brooding material and still maintaining the lyrical depth that Shower Curtain excels at.
Shower Curtain‘s words from a wishing well is a brilliant debut, blending reflective songwriting with inventive soundscapes. It’s the kind of album that grows on you with each listen, revealing new layers of meaning and emotion every time. Fan’s of the band’s earlier work will appreciate the subtlety and maturity of this release, and I hope the album brings the band plenty of new listeners.
words from a wishing well is out on Angel Tapes/Fire Talk Records everywhere on October 18th. Listen to two of the album’s singles here!
The Indy Review 
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