Unknown Nobodies are a garage punk duo that plays like a three-piece, blending raw energy with addictive melodies – as punk rock should be. Comprised of singer/guitarist Jack Murray and drummer Chelsey Rená, their latest release The Perplexed Sky is a perfect balance of both. A universal story of highs and lows, delusions and demons – the album’s lyrics play with the concept of self in today’s world, examining how we see ourselves vs. the perception of others.
Describing the band’s approach Jack says “We see albums and live shows as different pieces of art built on the same foundation. In the studio I record guitar and bass separately, but live, I use a modified guitar to layer both bass and guitar parts together. We record quickly, with few takes, but take the recordings seriously and really focus on melody. Live we play harder, faster and recklessly. We really feel what we’re playing up there. They’re the same songs, but different. And that’s the point.”
The Perplexed Sky was produced by J. Robbins, a prominent figure in the legendary DC music scene of the 80s and 90s, at Magpie Cage in Baltimore. J’s previous work includes Jawbox and Government Issue (member) as well as Clutch, Against Me!, and Jawbreaker (recording and production) among many others. The album is available on translucent dark purple vinyl, CD, and all digital platforms.
Previous full-length releases include Or The Devil Will Get You (2017) and Kakistocracy (2015), recorded by Roger Lima (Less Than Jake). A 7″ split was released on Brooklyn, NY label Leesta Vall Sound Recording in 2017. The duo has played throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast and have opened locally for national acts such as Smile Empty Soul, Flaw, and legendary British post-punk band Skeletal Family as well as regional festivals including the Liberty Music Fest in Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore Music Festival in New Jersey.
Influenced by bands such as The Wipers, Screaming Trees, REM, Agent Orange, The Gits and even post-punk groups like Joy Division and The Cure, UN is often described as ranging from surf punk to garage rock, alternative and even paisley underground. Powerplay Magazine (UK) says “Think Nirvana and the White Stripes meet REM and you get close to their sound.” One promoter described their new album as “dream grunge alt-punk” while the album’s producer J. Robbins said certain elements reminded him of The Chameleons.