Smut is a five piece alternative rock band that is based out of Chicago, Illinois. They are signed with Bayonet Records. The group consists of the following members: Tay Roebuck doing vocals, Andrew Min on guitar, Aidan O’Connor on the drums, Bell Cenower on bass and synthesizers, and Sam Ruschman on guitar and synthesizers. They have just released their sophomore album How the Light Felt on November 11, 2022.

This album is mainly characterized by nostalgia, including elements of 90s alternative grunge music like that of Alanis Morissette, Oasis, The Cranberries and The Smiths. The band has also talked about the influence that British pop has had on their music as of late. However, their biggest influences do not necessarily stop them from having their own original sound. Smut has their own modern elements of pop that is cleverly blended into the more nostalgic influences, truly giving them their own sound unlike any other artist or band.  

The opening track, “Soft Engine” starts out with a solo rhythmic strumming pattern of the electric guitar, leading into an energetic instrumental with a driving drum beat on the floor toms. This is one of the grungier, more upbeat songs of the album, and yet it sounds triumphant enough to give the listeners an idea of what to expect from the rest of the album. 

The second song, “After Silver Leaves” provides an easy and relaxing yet driving musical experience. The song is simple and raw, with a combination of acoustic and electric guitar, simplistic indie drum beats and melodic vocal parts with an ever so slight canned distortion sound. The song provides just enough grunge for those who prefer harder edgier sounds, but just enough cleanliness that it can be appreciated by those who enjoy softer pop type of sounds. 

As the album progresses, there come more waves of nostalgia and longing with songs such as “Let Me Hate” and “Believe You Me.” “Supersolar,” the fifth track of the album, picks up the pace with its fast driving tempo, modulating keys and tasteful accidentals. “Janeway” which comes right after “Supersolar” includes these clever and tasteful modulations as well. “Morning Star is of a great contrast to the rest of the album with its grungy synthesizers and electronic drum beats cleverly blended in with the electric guitar. “Unbroken Thought” ties this album together with a bow with its dark, moody lo-fi hip hop beats and distant guitar. “Unbroken Thought” embraces the independent music sound that is ever so prevalent in the music world today, and yet it has just enough of a retrospective sound to make the listener pause and reflect on life. 

How the Light Felt beautifully embodies characteristics of the past with old school alternative pop guitar patterns and raw vocals while staying in the present with electronic beats and indie pop elements. It is evident that Smut has stayed true to their own distinctive sound while simultaneously including musical elements that can be enjoyed by everyone.