ANALOG PARTY RETURN WITH GENRE-BENDING NEW EP ‘EXHIBIT A’
Los Angeles-based band Analog Party returns from a two-year hiatus with Exhibit A—a bold, five-track EP that dives headfirst into grunge, alt-rock, nu-metal, and ambient textures. Out now, the release is a raw, emotionally charged statement that balances chaos with clarity and never plays it safe.
“This collection of songs is a raw diary of my mid-twenties,” says frontman Animaan Pathak, who produced and recorded most of the EP himself. “It reflects personal and existential disorder—and musically, it covers a lot of ground.”
With contributions from Matt McJunkins (A Perfect Circle, The Beta Machine) and Charles Horin (Post Profit), Exhibit A feels like a creative rebirth—deeply personal, sonically adventurous, and a clear sign that Analog Party is back with purpose. Let’s dig in:
“Exhibit A” launches the album with the same name like a fuse meeting flame—gritty, aggressive, and packed with sonic twists that demand your full attention. Rooted in grunge but laced with dark, metallic undertones, the track hits hard right out of the gate, layering distortion-heavy riffs with a vocal delivery that feels both urgent and unhinged. Just when the chaos starts to feel familiar, the song veers into unexpected territory—a haunting bridge marked by ghostly tones and a subtle, eerie organ that creeps in beneath the surface. It’s a moment of eerie calm, adding emotional weight before the track erupts back into its nu-metal swagger, closing the loop with a heavy dose of grit. “Exhibit A” doesn’t just set the tone—it redefines it. Genre lines blur, moods shift, and by the end, you’re not sure what hit you—but you’re glad it did.
“Deliria” opens with a soft, melodic intro before snapping into Analog Party’s signature eclectic energy—bold, chaotic, and fully charged. The track quickly erupts with thunderous guitars and pounding drums, delivering a sound that’s as gripping as it is infectious. Lyrically, it’s a sharp critique of fame and materialism. Lines like “So you think you want to be a big star? Follow the road, kid.” challenge the illusion of stardom and urge a deeper look inward. It’s a song that doesn’t just sound big—it says something, too. Catchy, powerful, and packed with intention, “Deliria” is a standout that begs to be played on repeat.
“Snake Oil,” the third track on the album, drips with classic grunge attitude and carries a massive wave of Pearl Jam-inspired energy. From the first riff, there’s an unmistakable ‘90s alt-rock swagger at play—driven by silky, layered guitar tones that wrap the song in a warm, nostalgic haze. The vocals channel just the right amount of grit and soul, with a delivery that feels like a modern nod to Eddie Vedder without ever veering into imitation. The chorus is a standout—infectiously catchy, full of personality, and creatively arranged with hooks that linger long after the song ends. There’s a confidence to “Snake Oil” that makes it feel both timeless and fresh. It’s the kind of track that bridges generations of rock fans, equally appealing to longtime lovers of grunge and newcomers discovering the genre’s emotional power for the first time. If you’ve got even a passing affection for Pearl Jam or the golden age of alternative rock, this one’s going to feel like home almost instantly.
The fourth track, “Replica,” marks a noticeable tonal shift in the album, trading pure aggression for something more atmospheric and expansive. It begins with a soft, almost tribal rhythm—layered drums and airy, reverb-soaked guitars that create a rich, immersive soundscape. Animator and producer Animaan Pathak crafts something truly special here, building tension with restraint and mood rather than volume. Just past the halfway point, the track erupts into a wave of thunderous energy, channeling serious Deftones vibes with crushing guitars and a cinematic sense of scale. But rather than staying in that heavy lane, “Replica” dips back into its quieter, more introspective tone—only to rise again with even more force. It’s a push-and-pull dynamic that feels deliberate and artful, adding a layer of emotional complexity that sets the track apart. The drums especially shine, anchoring each shift with precision and intensity, and elevating the entire composition. “Replica” is a standout not just for its sound, but for its structure—a bold, unpredictable journey that keeps you locked in from start to finish.
“Can I With You?” closes out the five-track EP with a bold, genre-blending statement that feels like a culmination of everything that came before it. It plays like a sonic collage—pulling threads from each previous track and weaving them into something fresh, cohesive, and undeniably cool. The Pearl Jam influence makes a strong return, especially in the guitar tones and vocal delivery. Still, this time it’s paired with unexpected elements that push the band’s eclectic style even further. Case in point: a surprise saxophone appearance that adds a soulful, jazzy texture to the mix, proving once again that Analog Party isn’t afraid to take risks and blur genre lines. Pathak’s vocals are especially powerful here—dynamic, emotive, and totally locked in. His performance anchors the track with a sense of urgency and warmth that makes it an immediate standout. “Can I With You?” isn’t just a strong closer—it’s the kind of song you hit repeat on without even thinking. A fitting, genre-bending finale to an EP that thrives on unpredictability and purpose.
Taken as a whole, Exhibit A is more than just a five-track EP—it’s a mission statement. Analog Party doesn’t just dip into multiple genres; they dive headfirst, swimming effortlessly between grunge, nu-metal, alt-rock, post-hardcore, and even jazz without ever losing their identity. It’s a record that refuses to sit still, built on dynamic shifts, bold choices, and a level of musicality that feels both instinctual and deeply considered.
What ties it all together is the band’s fearless approach to sound and storytelling. There’s grit, there’s beauty, and most of all, there’s intention behind every scream, riff, and atmospheric swell. Exhibit A is a rare kind of release—one that challenges expectations while remaining entirely listenable, rewarding repeat plays with new details and deeper emotional resonance each time.
This isn’t just a showcase of range—it’s a declaration of arrival. Analog Party has carved out a space entirely their own, and if Exhibit A is the evidence, the verdict is clear: they’re a band you need to be paying attention to.