Summer ‘22 held many memories as well as anniversaries… But the most special anniversary was experiencing Ultra Q’s set one day shy of Mt. Eddy’s (former band name) five-year anniversary of their debut album, Chroma released via Uncool Records. A collection of teenage-angst, high school memories, punk aesthetic and more. What is an album loved by many, many stretching from The Bay Area to Asia, still holds the post-punk and new wave aesthetic it always has.
Professionally breaking into the Bay Area music scene in 2015, Jakob Danger (Armstrong) began demoing tracks on SoundCloud with assistance from drummer Chris Malaspina and at-the-time bassist Enzo Malaspina. In 2015, they were known as Danger! After Jakob’s middle name, unaware they would change lives and symbolize important moments and eras not only for themselves but fans as well. The teenage trio released a self-titled EP featuring songs such as “King Of The World” and “Don’t Try.” As the trio remained under Danger! for two years, they eventually reached a time to add bassist Kevin Judd, in which the four-piece group entered the era of Mt. Eddy.
Thrilling fans with a new name, sound and member, the band captured hearts worldwide. Mt. Eddy’s debut album Chroma released June 2, 2017 and astonished crowds with instantly relatable tracks like “Chroma” and “Metaphor.” A simple, yet genuinely mature album from four teenagers. The title track enhances sounds of jazz melodies and engaging lyrics, no matter your age. “Wilshambe” features repetitive guitar riffs and steady drum beats to get your head rockin’. With a chorus that grasps your mind, you’re easily pulled into the world of Mt. Eddy. The third (and highly underrated) track “Lovely” has been claimed by fans as they always chanted lyrics back to the band at live shows. The chorus presents romanticizing lyrics like - “Won’t you hug me and hold me and tell me I’m lovely” - directly passionate for anyone who’s willing to listen.
“Working Title” still hasn’t been blessed with an actual name, but if you’ve been around the scene for a while, this is definitely one of your favorite Mt. Eddy songs. The song fully embraces “promises of loneliness and awkward conversation” as your teenage years are ending. “Song and Fury” (the meaning behind our name!!!) provides classic teenage angst against fakeness and plastic faces that roam the earth. “Metaphor” is a deeply emotional track, diving deep into infatuation and realization of attraction. With its calming acoustics and alluring vocals from Jakob, you’re pulled into a universe of new wave rock that’s got you lost in the song. A signature Mt. Eddy performance consists of beginning “Chroma”, escaping to “Metaphor” and leaning back into “Chroma”, perfect as ever. “The Whale Song” consists of an upbeat tempo and rapid guitar riffs, boosting your confidence to mosh in the pit.
“The Whale Song” features a screeching guitar riff followed by a repetitive drum beat, with lyrics about nostalgia and heartache. Diving further into indie new-wave, “Leave Me Alone” is exactly what it sounds like. But the chorus says otherwise - “Give it a break/Who needs this bad day anyway”. A fan-favorite with catchy lyrics, a memorable riff and a thundering drum beat, “Orange” captures the essence of indie new wave. A memorable chorus with romanticizing lyrics - “Going to rewind/What’s inside of me that’s hard to see?/In the morning I’ll be fine/It’s not easy being what you need” - symbolizes romantic desperation.
Closing out Chroma is “Doze Off” featuring softer guitar riffs to guide you through a tender vibe throughout the rest of the album. Ascending its chorus with thundering tones and heavy basslines, Chroma is concluded with teenage angst and new-wave nostalgia. To celebrate the milestone Jakob, Chris, Enzo and Kev performed a killer Mt. Eddy set at Bottom Of The Hill in San Francisco. Although Mt. Eddy is “over” and Chroma is a memory, the album and band will live in our hearts forever.
ULTRA Q
Comments