Poke A Brain Drops Refinement_2026 LP
Poke A Brain can get plenty of mileage out of a relaxed groove, then turn around and deliver a grunge song with equal conviction. That range makes Refinement_2026 an inviting listen. The guitars move between jangle and heavier rock, the moods shift from easygoing to melancholy, and the recording’s lo-fi character suits the material. There’s a casual confidence to these songs, with enough attention to melody and performance to make each change of pace worthwhile.
The Cleveland-area project has explored combinations of rock, grunge and other styles across earlier releases, including Organic Rock and Love, Resentment & Mortality. That background makes sense here: Refinement_2026 sounds comfortable following several different musical interests, and its songwriting gives those interests a convincing place on the same album.
“WILD WEST” gets things moving with a forceful rock beat and a busy arrangement that brings synthesizers into the action. There’s plenty happening, but the solid vocal performance gives the song a clear focus. It’s an energetic introduction, establishing the heavier end of the record’s range before “WITH STRINGS ATTACHED” settles into something considerably smoother.
That song reminded me a little of Mac DeMarco. I loved its calm, melancholy feel, and the female vocalist is particularly good. The guitar work is another highlight, contributing to an atmosphere that makes slowing down feel just as rewarding as the opener’s more immediate rush. It’s an early indication of how much the album has to offer beyond straightforward rock.
“MICE” continues with jangly guitar chords and a relaxed groove. Its appeal is easy to appreciate, especially alongside the more contemplative “SYNDROME.” Those quieter moods give “PEARL” an especially effective entrance. It comes out rocking, with a terrific groove and a direct grunge sound that makes it one of the album’s best songs. The energy is a reminder of how well Poke A Brain handles the heavier material.
“WHEN YOU WERE AROUND” is another high point, and there are further songs worth discovering beyond these immediate favorites. I thought there was a lot on offer here, both in the writing and in the different approaches to the arrangements.
The lo-fi production is part of what makes Refinement_2026 enjoyabl
Refinement_2026 - Album by Poke A Brain | Spotify
