Tried and true maximalist art-punk isn't the easiest genre to find, but look no further than "ET Vs. Jesus," Tea Eater's memorable offering off their newest album, I Don't Believe in Bad Luck, which officially dropped today March 28th, 2025.
A gritty hook that refuses to leave once its foot is in the door coupled with frontwoman Tarra Thiessen's ethereal vocals create a killer blend of both boldness and whimsy. The track's lyrics explore the power of perception, with the Brooklyn-based band highlighting their own reality as a consumable song: "The reality we live in is nothing more than an audio visual / Demonstration of where your attention is." Ultimately, though, it is up to the listener to use these "powers" and "create reality worthy of who you are," focusing out from the song and into the world.
'I Don't Believe in Bad Luck' album art
Utilizing fantastical DIY visuals in every day locations -- something they've developed a knack for (see below) -- such as diners, parks, and parking lots, the music video revels in the familiar nostalgia and joy of home videos.
In addition to the legendary butter fight between E.T. and Jesus, other surreal characters like a crow playing the bass guitar and a puppet dancing atop a picnic table ground the video in DIY excellence. The video ends with Jesus and E.T. switching bodies and having a beer by the fire, a visual representation of their goodwill, post-match. Reflecting the message of the lyrics, the characters use what is available to them to create the reality they want, regardless of rationality.
The Brooklyn based art-punk band's previous two singles, "Little White Dog (In a Gated Community)" and "Cecilia," don't shy away from the delightfully absurd any more than "ET Vs. Jesus," with their music videos featuring nightmare-inducing little white dogs partaking in mischief and ominous oversized dominos under the desert sun, respectively.
Their new album, I Don't Believe in Bad Luck, is the story of a hotline psychic who's sick of everyone—including herself. In this sophomore release, Tea Eater expands their obsessions to include waffles, bugs, and butter. Through tracks like "People Pleaser" and "You Again," the record explores what it means to be the villain in someone else's story—whether by accident or design. In addition to the vinyl release, a limited-edition tarot deck, inspired by the album's themes and Tea Eater's symbol sets, will be available.
The combined talents of Thiessen (vocals, guitar), Lindsey Ann Lawless (bass, vocals), Vram Kherlopian (guitar, synth), and Abdon Valdez III (drums), make each single's shocking visual components play second fiddle to the visceral music the group creates.
Tea Eater's album release show takes place tonight at Alphaville in Brooklyn.
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