Weird Nightmare : Hoopla

Alex Edkins was the guitarist and vocalist for Canadian post/punk band METZ for well over a decade. When the noisy trio decided to go on hiatus a couple years back Edkins side project Weird Nightmare became his main gig.

METZ was loud, abrasive, and savored the dissonance of guitar squall, fuzzy bass lines, and brash drums. But despite the Tinnitus-inducing volumes and jagged punk spirit, there was always a hint of pop melody strewn through the chaos. With Edkins’ self-titled Weird Nightmare debut back in 2022, the guitar pyrotechnics and in-the-red volumes still remained, but there was more emphasis on pop melodies. Weird Nightmare worshipped at the alter of Bob Mould, J Mascis, and Chavez.

Alex Edkins returns with Weird Nightmare and the excellent Hoopla. Guitars still set to stun, but the melodies are stronger and the power pop leanings more frequent, Edkins has set the Husker Du aside for Mould’s poppier leanings in Sugar. The result is a sunnier disposition, just in time for summer.

“Headful of Rain” opens things up with stacked harmonies, jangly guitar lines, and a cleaned up production that starts Weird Nightmare’s sophomore effort on the right note. “Might See You There” has an early 90s college rock ring to it, and had it existed in the early 90s it would have ended up on the Reality Bites soundtrack for sure. Another catchy earworm for the Gen X navel gazer. And “Forever Elsewhere” slams into your ears like a Dino Jr b-side. The wall of fuzz guitar and Edkins’ killer vocal harmonies will have you hitting rewind.

Alex Edkins has zeroed in on the melodic, pop elements of his debut that set that album apart from the usual fuzz pop guitar of other contemporary bands. The production on Hoopla has been upped and the vocal harmonies shine throughout the record. “Pay No Mind” ends up sounding like OKGO with some cojones adding some New Wave flavor to the proceedings, while “If You Should Turn Away” blends the pop elements of Teenage Fanclub and Fountains of Wayne in a very unique way. “Where I Belong” ends things on a roar instead of a sigh, bringing 90s college rock vibes into full view.

While I secretly hope METZ will make an eventual return, I’m glad we have Edkins’ Weird Nightmare to keep us company. Hoopla is your new favorite summer jam.