Weird Nightmare
Hoopla

Andrew Ross, contributor

What's all the Hoopla?

 

Weird Nightmare, the project led by Alex Edkins (known for his work with the ferocious noise-rock band METZ), delivers a surprisingly bright and tuneful second album with Hoopla. Where his earlier solo work leaned into raw, insular experimentation, this record opens the windows and lets in some sunshine, while still packing the restless energy and sharp edges that define Edkins’ style.

 

The album kicks off with a burst of jangly guitars and driving rhythms that feel like classic ’90s indie rock filtered through a modern, fuzz-loving lens. Tracks such as “Might See You There” and “Forever Elsewhere” boast big, anthemic choruses that stick in your head long after the music stops. Edkins’ vocals sit front and center here, more melodic and confident than ever, trading some of the distortion-heavy snarl for heartfelt delivery that lands with real warmth. Hoopla strikes an appealing balance between accessibility and bite. Songs like “Baby Don’t” and “Never in Style” mix punchy rhythms, catchy hooks, and just enough grit to keep things interesting. There’s a playful spirit running through the whole thing, as if Edkins is having fun stretching out beyond the intensity of METZ. The arrangements feel tight and purposeful without losing that loose, human feel—think hook-driven indie rock with subtle noise-rock DNA underneath.

 

Lyrically, the record drifts between nostalgia, small observations, and quiet restlessness, delivered with Edkins’ characteristic dry wit. Nothing feels overly polished or calculated; instead, Hoopla has the energy of a band (or project) hitting a confident stride and enjoying the ride.

 

Hoopla if full of consistent songcraft and replayability which makes it a thoroughly enjoyable listen from start to finish. If you’re a METZ fan, this might surprise you with its tunefulness. If you’re new to Edkins, it’s an inviting entry point that still carries his unmistakable creative fingerprint. I'll be seeing what all the Hoopla is about when Weird Nightmare play Sunday, June 28th at Deep Cuts in Medford.