Chat Pile releases new single “Masks,” covering Nirvana – Staying true to their Nu-Metal roots
Oklahoma City-based avant-garde band Chat Pile has recently released their debut 7″ record titled “Masks” through the renowned Seattle label, Sub Pop Records. In a nod to the label’s early roots, the band has included a cover of Nirvana’s track “Sifting” from the album Bleach. Along with this exciting release, Chat Pile has also generously contributed $3,000 to DREAM Action OK, an immigrant advocacy group based in their local community.
Expressing their excitement about releasing music under Sub Pop, the band mentioned that creating their new song “Masks” was a homage to the notable city of Seattle and the underground music scene of the late ’80s that Sub Pop was a significant part of. Influenced by the documentary “Hype,” the band has long been fascinated by Seattle and the impact of Sub Pop. Drawing inspiration from the early years of Sub Pop, the decision to cover a song from Nirvana’s Bleach album felt like a natural choice to them. They appreciated the opportunity to pay tribute to songs like “Paper Cuts,” “Negative Creep,” and particularly “Sifting,” which aligned with Chat Pile’s unique sound. By making this contribution to DREAM Action OK, Chat Pile aims to support and empower the immigrant community in Oklahoma through advocacy and education.
Their recent single “Masks” continues the band’s musical journey by merging elements from their previous works like the intense energy of Cool World from 2024 and the evocative ambience of In the Earth Again in collaboration with Texan guitarist Hayden Pedigo. The song’s central message, evident in lines like “Until you fill them in / Until they find you out / Until they mess you up / Until there is no uncertainty,” reflects themes of vulnerability and unease. The post-chorus further emphasizes the feeling of apprehension with lyrics such as “Look around you now / They could be anywhere / Look around you now / They could be anywhere.”
In addition to the original track “Masks,” Chat Pile’s inclusion of “Sifting” in their release reaffirms their rebellious spirit and defiance against authority figures. They have managed to infuse Kurt Cobain’s descriptor of the song as “slow” and “boring” with a sense of psychological unease and political urgency that resonates with current issues. Looking ahead, Chat Pile is set to perform at various festivals in Europe and the UK, including PALP and ArcTanGent. Fans can find tour dates and both tracks from the Masks 7″ available on vinyl and streaming platforms via Sub Pop Records.
With the release of “Masks,” Chat Pile continues to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories while staying true to their distinctive sound and ethos. The band’s commitment to social issues and supporting their local community underscores their status as not just musicians, but also advocates for change.