New Jersey’s Pocket Gum are back with “Wasted”, a powerful track that sees the duo dive headfirst into the emotional turmoil of self-destruction and monotony. Known for their signature blend of pop-punk and shoegaze, Joshua Elavia (guitar) and Ryan Von Sauers (bass) push their sound into rawer, darker territory with this gripping release.
“Wasted” is an unflinching look at the cyclical nature of indulgence and regret. Layered with hazy reverb-soaked guitars and hauntingly immersive choruses, the song captures the tension of trying to maintain a facade of normalcy while battling inner demons.
“Wasted dives into the dark depths of a drunken reality,” the band explains. “It deals with facing our demons while trying to maintain our day-to-day—going through the motions of monotony.”
The track’s production process mirrors its emotional depth. Recorded partly at Mt. Moon Recording Studio in Philadelphia and finished in the band’s basement DIY venue, Mum’s, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, “Wasted” seamlessly blends studio polish with the authentic grit of DIY artistry. This duality gives the song a deeply personal edge, allowing listeners to feel both the vulnerability and catharsis embedded within its walls of sound.
Pocket Gum’s evolution is evident — the shimmering guitar textures and atmospheric shoegaze tones are amplified by Elavia’s emotive playing, while Von Sauers’ anchoring basslines lend the track a brooding intensity. Combined with heart-wrenching lyrics and a chorus that echoes long after the final note, “Wasted” stands as a testament to the band’s growth and fearless self-expression.
