Kill Tuco’s new single, “Apples”, feels like a time machine you actually want to ride. It’s got all the carefree, sweat-dripping-from-the-walls energy of a house party circa 1979. There’s nothing fussy or overthought here—just pure, unfiltered fun.
Let’s first talk sound. The track kicks off with a jangly, unapologetically garage-band guitar riff that immediately hooks you. It’s tight. It’s polished. But not too polished, thanks to producer Tommy Osuna’s knack for keeping the grit where it matters. Think vintage power-pop with a sprinkling of surf rock swagger. The guitar tone practically begs you to crank up the volume. Connor Purington and Kapu Copp’s vocals come in with a playful edge—just earnest enough to sell the heartbreak but not so serious that it kills the vibe. This is Kill Tuco doing what they do best: walking the line between angst and a good time.
The rhythm section deserves its flowers, too. Basil’s bassline is bouncy and precise, driving the song forward like it’s got somewhere important to be. Meanwhile, Sam Seibert’s drumming is all tight snares and quick fills, keeping the whole thing from spiraling out of control. Together, they give the track its danceability, a rarity in today’s more sprawling, experimental alt-rock scene. “Apples” doesn’t wander—it sprints. It’s three-and-a-half minutes of pure momentum.
And then there’s that guitar solo. It hits right at the peak, slicing through the track with just the right amount of distortion. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be. This isn’t about showing off; it’s about keeping you locked in the moment. The mix, handled by Demitri Marmash, gives everything room to breathe, highlighting every crisp cymbal hit and twangy chord. The production manages to feel retro and modern all at once, no easy feat.
Lyrically, “Apples” is more introspective than its upbeat sound suggests. The song captures the chaotic emotional rollercoaster of post-breakup loneliness, a theme that could easily veer into melodrama. But Kill Tuco sidesteps that trap. Instead, they lean into the universal relatability of trying to outrun your feelings by chasing fleeting highs. The anthemic chorus—equal parts defiance and desperation—hits like a release, a cathartic scream you didn’t know you needed.
For fans of Blink-182 or Green Day, Kill Tuco is a no-brainer. But there’s more going on here than simple nostalgia. This is a band that knows how to channel their influences without getting stuck in them. “Apples” is a throwback, sure. But it’s also a reminder that sometimes, the best music is the kind that makes you want to move your body and forget your problems, even for a little while.
Bottom line? “Apples” is a banger. It drops on November 27th, so mark your calendar, fire up your speakers, and prepare to press repeat. Because this one’s gonna get stuck in your head—in the best way.
Garth Thomas