Review by Angel Park

Nearly two years after taking a break, Albuquerque alternative band Savings takes on a comeback feel with their latest single, Stressed Out.

Instead of trying to recreate the band’s heyday, they have embraced development with Stressed Out, a new song that expands their sonic identity while continuing to have emotional integrity. From its very first bars, Stressed Out walks that fine line between high-polished modern alternative rock and infectious pop. The production is clean and elegant but never sacrificing warmth, and each element — shimmering guitars and punchy percussion — work to support this song. 

The vocalist Sam Wilmot does a brave yet heartfelt performance of confidence even if a bit jaded with a genuine emotion. His singing is a testament to his progress and growth, on the technical and emotional level. Stressed Out has a resonance, lyrically, because it’s not presenting easy answers. Instead, what it does recognize is the discomfort of going through hard times. The song touches on anxiety, change, and self-discovery but also holds up a flame of hope. 

At a time when too many artists feel the pressure of feeling the need to keep chasing algorithms and go viral, Savings, instead, pursues real content. The song Stressed Out never seems artificial or trend-driven. At every chorus, every swell of the instruments, every lyrical confession seems motivated by pure artistic impulse rather than commercial calculation. 

The sound is refreshing to listen to, as a band, and puts songwriting ahead of spectacle. Accompanying this artistic maturity is the production. There is an abundance of layer upon layer of content with each tier laid out intelligently, letting those emotional peaks come in, without getting overwrought when they get rolling. Its hooks are unforgettable, but we are never overblown by the substance inside it. This careful balance between accessibility and sincerity gives the single remarkable replay value.

Stressed Out is available on streaming platforms on July 24th.