Middle Spoon by Cheekface

If Daughter of Swords defined their 2025 album Alex as “a happy-sounding record about the death of humanity on planet Earth” (as read at #15 this year), then I wonder what pithy way the Los Angeles band Cheekface would define their fantastic fifth album, Middle Spoon. Every single album that the trio has released since they formed in 2017 has been pretty much that: dark and dire topics conveyed via bouncy, can’t-help-but-smile hooks.

Middle Spoon is the third Cheekface album to be featured on the Top 31. Their third album Too Much To Ask was (mis-ranked a little too low given how much I still listen to it) at #22 in 2022, and their fourth, It’s Sorted, was (more appropriately ranked) at #8 in 2024. The only reason their first two albums did not make the Top 31 is because I hadn’t yet heard of them, which is a travesty.

Their 2025 album is a continuation of everything great about their previous albums: Greg Katz’s co-songwriting, lead vocals and guitar; Mandy Tannen’s co-songwriting, background vocals and bass; and Mark “Echo” Edwards’ drums sound every bit as good as they always have. They started off near the top of their game, and they just continue to tweak and refine, making the listening experience even better each time.

“Living Lo-Fi” (featured in the video above) is a great example. Upbeat, infectious groove with a killer, infinitely repeatable chorus that you want to learn every word of so you can shout it at the top of your lungs when it rolls around. “Flies,” the other video they released for this record, is equally fun.

My favorite from the record is an already-classic Cheekface song called “Art House.” The chorus is so so good:

You’re an independent movie
And you’re a little hard to follow
And I can only turn you on if I want to get confused
You are a gray and grainy scene
You are not big on dialogue
And I can only turn you on if I want to get confused
Here on the sticky art house floor
You have a weird love language
And it’s hard to read even with the subtitles on
You’re an independent movie
And you‘re so hard to follow
And I can only turn you on if I want to get confused

I’m a big fan of dad jokes (being in my 50s and a dad), and the longform pun that makes up that chorus feels like it’s written just for me.

I learned via the Middle Spoon Full Album Commentary they band put out after the release that for this album, the band had the joy of getting to replace what would normally have been synthesized sounds with real instruments. Grand piano, Hammond B3 complete with Leslie Amp, a live harp, even harmonicas apparently once spit upon by the one and only Elliott Smith (found in a box labeled “Elliott’s Harmonicas” at the studio they recorded the album in) all make appearances throughout.

One of the best things about Cheekface is their connection to their fans. Self-proclaimed as “America’s Local Band,” they remain fiercely independent, doing all of their own promotion and album releases. This year they started up a fan club called The Stubbs Clubb, which is a value at just $7.11 a month. Free merch and special content come your way, and you get to feel good spending your money on something that brings you pure joy – a difficult thing to come by here in the Year of our Lord 2026.

I got to feel that joy first hand (for the 2nd time) when the band came through town in May 2025. Their shows are legendary affairs, and I highly recommend you go check them out next time they play your hometown. Remember the “infinitely repeatable choruses” I mentioned above? That comes out in spades by the sold-out crowd. There is nothing like the feeling of singing loudly along to your favorite songs with 700+ other people. The effort the band puts into keeping a connection with their fans pays off in spaces when the fans get to return that favor at these shows.

I used to call a Flaming Lips show “the happiest place on Earth,” (but having seen them this past summer, I have to say lead singer Wayne Coyne’s demands for “more energy!” from the stage make it feel more like work than fun nowadays). Now? That title goes to a Cheekface show. It is truly the happiest place on Earth – your cheeks will hurt trying to smile as broadly as lead singer Greg Katz does throughout the entire set. Seriously, I can’t wait for the band to come back through town, and I also can’t wait for whatever they put out next. I hope by now you’re on this train with me – but if not, be sure to get on at the next station. It’s quite the ride!