I WISH I WAS A PUNK BAND FINDS BEAUTY IN REFLECTION ON NEW EP ‘SAME AS YESTERDAY’
I Wish I Was A Punk Band (IWIWIAPB) is the solo expression of multi-instrumentalist Phil Hamilton. Utilizing drum machines, swirling guitars, and stark vocal effects, IWIWAPB crafts intricate soundscapes under vague melodic threads to create dreamy indie/bedroom pop, and yes, we’re super into it.
The EP touches on the anxiety of climate catastrophe and the mental exhaustion it provokes. The album pulls on wisps of nostalgia as it explores the memory distortions and biases of one’s youth. Get after it by digging in below:
“Sonar” opens the album with an irresistible groove that immediately pulls you in. It’s got the slick swagger of Brandon Flowers, the intricate melodies of Minus the Bear, and something entirely its own. Around the thirty-second mark, the song bursts open with a wave of sound and emotion that feels both unexpected and perfectly placed. From there, the track builds momentum, locking you in with shimmering keyboard lines and magnetic vocals that demand your attention.
It isn’t electronic, and it isn’t punk rock either; it’s a seamless fusion of the two, a hybrid that feels alive and full of movement. “Sonar” pushes the boundaries of what alternative music can sound like, exploring every corner of sonic possibility. If this track is any indication of what’s to come on the rest of the album, we’re in for something special.
“Threadcount,” the second track on Same As Yesterday, delivers a smooth and addictive vibe that instantly pulls you in. The guitar work has a liquid quality to it, washing over the listener in waves that feel effortless and hypnotic. It’s not an overly complex song, yet there’s a depth that reveals itself the more you listen, rewarding anyone willing to dive below the surface.
The mix is impeccable, with every element perfectly balanced in a way that feels both natural and intentional. The drum machine adds just the right amount of edge, giving the track a modern pulse while preserving its organic warmth. It’s crisp, clean, and full of texture.
Fans of St. Lucia will find plenty to love here, from the shimmering production to the subtle emotional undertones. “Threadcount” feels like a song made for late-night drives and early sunrises, glowing with that perfect mix of calm and energy.
“Along with Mine” feels like a love letter to the sound and soul of LCD Soundsystem. The synths shimmer, the rhythm builds with intention, and the whole thing has that unmistakable pulse that makes you stop what you’re doing and listen. It’s subtle but packed with emotion, the kind of song that gets under your skin in the best way.
The lyrics hit hard, and the vocals, courtesy of Phil Hamilton, carry real weight. You can tell this project is his vision through and through. Every beat and every line feels personal, like it was made to be felt, not just heard.
It’s the perfect song to put on when you want to slow down, light up, and think about that one person you still can’t quite let go of.
The closing track on the EP, “Trellis,” arrives with IWIWIAPB’s now signature drum machine groove and Phil Hamilton’s smooth, distinctive vocals. It’s not a song that tries too hard; it just works. Effortless, catchy, and soaked in the kind of familiarity that feels straight out of the early 2000s alt scene, it’s the perfect exhale after the journey this EP takes you on.
“Trellis” captures everything that makes IWIWIAPB such a refreshing listen: sincerity, style, and a sense of fun that doesn’t sacrifice substance. It’s the kind of closer that leaves you replaying the record instead of moving on. Honestly, it’s a little frustrating how short it all feels because by the time “Trellis” ends, you’re already craving more.
Same As Yesterday proves that I Wish I Was A Punk Band, the solo project of Phil Hamilton, is something truly special. Each track moves with intent, weaving emotion, texture, and experimentation into a sound that feels both intimate and cinematic. There’s a warmth running through every moment, a sense of searching and honesty that makes the music resonate long after it stops playing.
The EP exists in the space between nostalgia and the present, exploring themes of memory, anxiety, and self-reflection. It’s personal yet universal, the kind of project that feels handcrafted rather than produced by a bunch of grubby hands. By the time it ends, you’re left wanting more, not because it feels unfinished, but because it leaves a lasting emotional impression. With Same As Yesterday, I Wish I Was A Punk Band reminds us that vulnerability can be bold, and that even in quiet moments, music can feel boundless.