Chicago indie pop-rockers Push Puppets return with their fourth album “Tethered Together”, and it’s a beautiful, emotional journey packed with lush arrangements, rich melodies and real heart. Led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Erich Specht, the band mixes catchy pop hooks with a deep sense of vulnerability and storytelling. This isn’t just another indie album, it’s a carefully crafted piece of work that grows more powerful with each listen. From the very start, with the soaring opener “Similar”, Push Puppets show off their talent for blending emotional lyrics with arena-sized sounds. “Hearts Aren’t Souvenirs” and “Probably” hit even harder, mixing bittersweet stories with dramatic string sections that add a cinematic feel. One of the album’s highlights is “Launching a Satellite”, a slow-burning epic that starts quietly and builds into an incredible moment of guitar and string interplay. It’s about insecurity, but it feels bold and cosmic — like trying to find your place in the universe. The songwriting is top-notch. Erich’s lyrics explore relationships, personal growth, love and loss in a way that feels honest and poetic. The production, handled by Doug McBride (Smashing Pumpkins, Veruca Salt), is warm, clean and dynamic. Every instrument has its place — from the punchy drums to the sweeping violins. Other standout moments include the emotional “This Whole Endeavor”, the quirky retro rocker “Tell Colleen to Calm Down” and the dramatic closer “The Logical Conclusion”, which ends the album with intensity and beauty. “Tethered Together” is full of feeling, detail and surprises. Push Puppets have crafted an album that’s smart, emotional, musically rich. It deserves your attention — and your heart too!
♦ 8,5/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
