That Graduate Releases Dreamy B-Sides of Debut LP on ‘Bromotion Bendencies’
Cover art for Bromotion Bendencies
Exactly one year after putting out their debut album, Promotion Tendencies, That Graduate marked the anniversary with the release of the record’s B-sides on the EP Bromotion Bendencies, a quartet of wonderfully dreamy songs. With these tracks, the Brooklyn-based indie outfit — the solo project started by writer, singer, and guitarist Charlie Peacock — continues to showcase his jangly, addictively reverbed surf-rock-meets-dream-pop sound.
The EP’s opener, “New June,” begins with throbbing, washed-out guitar chords, melded with Peacock’s heavily distorted vocals that have become That Graduate’s calling card since his first EP in 2023. The track is brooding and languorous, and has a hypnotic quality enhanced by its reverb-forward production.
The next track picks up the pace with a more energetic, bouncy beat. The bright guitar licks of “My Life” are reminiscent of those found on “You’ve Heard” off Promotion Tendencies, and, as with all four tracks of this EP, the song acts as a satisfying complement to and continuation of the LP.
The latter half of the EP is where That Graduate really shines. “I Pity”’s compelling baseline immediately captures your attention and adds a moody edge to the clear, resonant guitar tones that are summery, groovy, and mellow. And on the final song, “Pop dream,” bright electric guitars are all that accompany Peacock’s fuzzed voice in the opening verse before bass and drums drop into the song like the downhill rush of a rollercoaster, making this a catchy track and the standout song of the EP.
With this EP, That Graduate provides a satisfying addendum to his debut album. “It’s cathartic to finally sail away from this project and move onto the next one. Much more soon, thank you all for the support on these tracks,” That Graduate posted on Instagram on Saturday.
The coastal-tinged spacey alt-rock of both Bromotion Bendencies and Promotion Tendencies — and, indeed, of all of That Graduate’s releases — makes for a mesmerizing listen that will propel you into the blue azure of a bright summer’s day.
If he hasn’t made it onto your playlist already, now’s the time to explore That Graduate’s budding discography while he’s still a deeply underrated find. It’s been just under three years since Peacock started this dream-pop project and released his self-titled EP, whose six tracks are a refreshing addition to the alt-rock world, defined by spacey production mixed with irresistible riffs and drum beats.
That Graduate has a sound perfect for fans of MOTO BANDIT, Daywave, and other dream-pop outfits who never skimp on the reverb. As he finds his feet in the indie rock world, That Graduate’s ability to meld bright, reverbed guitars with unapologetically distorted vocals and hooky baselines is sure to draw in larger audiences.
