PREMIERE: THE UPSIDES EXPLORE EMOTIONAL VULNERABILITY IN “NEW JERSEY IN THE 90S”

Sep 15

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attack that killed over 2,000 people. Many are remembering the tragedy in different ways, some through music.

Making sense of the past is no easy feat, and The Upsides explores this in their new emotionally daring track, “New Jersey in the 90s.” The song picks up a difficult memory from brothers Matt and Dan’s childhood – pieces from the 9/11 tragedy.

“I flip back in a haze”

In it, they detail a shift in innocence, as their ordinary upbringing in New Jersey becomes something darker post-9/11. The family who lived next door lost their father that day.

The track sets the atmosphere with moody synths, immediately layered with a kicking drum beat that chugs it along. You can already hear the deep feeling in Matt Fullam’s voice; it travels in the high notes and quiet whispers throughout the track.

It has an addicting bridge, one that builds and builds until the chorus breaks into a waterfall of emotions. It feels like they’re reaching out for something – a memory, a chance, or even just clarity – to make them feel okay again. Moments like that change a person, though.

The Upsides take this stirring passion into the song's final moments, slowing it down into a signal of remembrance.

It’s a call-out to the family they once knew, but also to anyone impacted by the tragedy. A reminder to do what you can for those you love while they’re here.

“New Jersey in the 90s” will appear on The Upsides’ new album, In The Maze, out October 16, 2026. The record features 11 tracks, including “Very Bad Kids,” “Telepathic,” “Fast Angel,” and “Sepia.”