THE RIDER: Consumables' Top 10
The band on bodega beers, influential uncles and a whole lotta watching each other sweat shirtless
If we’re a sucker for one thing ‘round these parts, it’s FRIENDSHIP — a sweet bond between bandmates that transcends the stage and the studio, extending further into an alternate realm known as the real world. (More specifically, in this case, the sauna.) And we would confidently wager that there’s no band having more fun together than NYC art-punk four-piece Consumables.
That would make Infinite Games — the group’s new album, co-written and produced by Ben Hozie of BODEGA— not just a record but a sonic friendship bracelet of sorts. But ummm, a friendship bracelet for ears. And, like, for everyone’s?
“I feel limitless / this is what freedom is.”
We might have lost the metaphor. The point is, this is a band of best buds who, in releasing a really rad record, are officially welcoming us into their world and inviting us all to come out and play—
And, beyond that, to think about the way we play.
Art begets art (it’s the creative circle of life), and in the case of Consumables, the album’s title and through-line are inspired by Finite and Infinite Games, a book (1986) by academic/historian/religious scholar James Carse that explores life through the lens of the two primary games that we, as humans, are playing:
“There are at least two kinds of games. One could be called finite; the other infinite. A finite game is played for the purpose of winning, an infinite game for the purpose of continuing the play.”
These are two unique approaches to the way we exist in the world — how we approach our work, religion and relationships… life itself— and in Infinite Games’ 12 tracks, Consumables explore the difference, and the tension, between the two.
Or, as Kyle Crew of the band puts it: “So much unnecessary suffering happens when a person plays a finite game in an infinite game scenario.”
So: Is winning really worth it? What are you sacrificing when you’re just trying to come out on top? Or is there a better way— perhaps, to quote the book’s subtitle: “A Vision of Life as Play and Possibility”?
Listen, read, ponder and then come get your Games on THIS FRIDAY NIGHT at Chemistry Creative as Consumables—that’s Kyle (vocals and guitar) + Miles Fox (vocals, bass, synth) + Hector Guillen (drums) + Dylan Joyce (guitar)—take the stage for an eagerly awaited album-release show featuring Two-Man Giant Squid, Shrudd and Big Girl!
Plus cheap beer and tattoos. Just as the punk gods intended.
Mark that cal, press that (infinite) play button and then read on for Consumables’ Top 10—a list featuring a v versatile gif, extra-special underwear and getting into show-shape at Brooklyn’s most exclusive backyard gym.
💪♾️💪♾️💪♾️💪♾️💪♾️💪♾️💪♾️💪
CONSUMABLES’ TOP 10
1. This GIF
The application for this is endless. “Do we wanna get a beer after practice?” Slight nod. “Should we run the set again?” “Are we on a sinking ship and a witness to total societal collapse?” Insert gif.
2. Saunas
We are connoisseurs of saunas, “sauna-sseurs.” This is where we plan and scheme. Few things will accelerate you to the heart of the conversation like being in a hot box with sweat dripping on your bandmates’ legs. Kyle even made an ode to saunas with an ambient album:
3. Loretta
Kyle’s van has been good to us. Four dudes with gear packed to gills and over 30 hours on the road to Texas, no problem. Last summer Kyle traveled across all corners of this country for over a month living in the van. An absolute unit.
The paintings on our clothes, guitars, backdrops, album cover, etc. etc. This is all done by our lovely “art director.”
5. Bodega beers
At the gig and find yourself in a pinch? Open up your bank app and see red? Need one more before the final band hits the stage? There is a simple solution. Bodega beers. Paying $8 for a Narragansett should be a criminal offense. So instead just pop out of the venue and hit the nearest corner store. Grab a quick brew from the fridge and drink it up in the parking lot. Timing is key, so make it quick and head back to the show with your newfound buzz. Your mind and money will be very thankful.
6. Odds are
Sometimes it’s best to do what you normally wouldn’t. And testing your limits through chance is always exhilarating. Truth or dare is too simple so why not up the ante, double down on the ridiculous bet, and choose your own probability. Odds are you tell Kyle you love him. Odds are you pay Dylan's tab. Odds are Hector kicks an apple off your head. Odds are you fall in love with Miles. Set your chance and see if you both hit. And if you do, then there’s no turning back. Guaranteed memories with this one. We said goodbye to Miles' mustache after a 6am odds out of 50 hit. And he never looked back.
7. Uncles
We all have Uncles / Tíos that have had a profound impact on our musical upbringing. Moreover, they have provided us with a blueprint on how we want to live our lives. The good and the bad. Shout out Uncle Nelson, Uncle Tony, Uncle Myles, and Tío.
8. Phoenix Gym
If you've spent any time around us, you know of the exclusive members only gym in Dylan’s backyard. There's nothing better than spending summers shirtless with your best friends. Watching each other's bodies slowly change. day by day... If you want to know more about drinking cheap beer while lifting concrete weights come talk to us after our album release show April 11th.
9. Friendship
“More than a band, CONSUMABLES is a family. I can't imagine my life without these guys and I think they feel the same. If I could ever actually find a girlfriend, every one of these guys would be the best man at my wedding. One of the best parts of being in a band is being on the road with my best friends and making so many new friends along the way. One of those friends being Sam :) Thanks for being such a great person.” - Miles Fox
[Ed note: awwwww]
10. Muay Thai Underwear
Ok maybe it’s not technically underwear, but rather shorts or trunks. But, did you know that Hector was the Muay Thai Champion of Panama? And that he fought (and won) a fight in Madison Square Garden!? We as a band are pacifists… but we are not to be trifled with.
Top 10 written + submitted by Consumables. Follow the band at @consumables.bk, buy music on Bandcamp and add their music to your Spotify playlists!
Feature image (provided by the band): Gannon Padgett