Bethlehem Steel – “Kirstie Alley” (Stereogum Premiere)
Bethlehem Steel announced their upcoming new EP with “87s,” and the same burnished intensity that marked that track carries through to “Kirstie Alley,” Docking’s second single. It features all the resilience of its titular pop culture figure and, while the lyrics don’t specifically reference Alley’s very public up-and-downs, you get the sense that her journey serves as both an inspiration and a warning sign. “I’m fine/ I didn’t want to die alone,” Becca Ryskalczyk rails in the chorus. “You were right/ Everyone still dies alone.” That sentiment is terrifying and a little comforting, and the swells of the song echo that disconnect. “Kirstie Alley” bursts apart into a noisy storm in its back half, and it feels a little heavy-hearted but also serves as a source of strength. Listen below.
Docking is out 11/6 via Miscreant Records. The EP release show is 11/5 at Shea Stadium in Brooklyn with Rick from Pile, Cold Sweats, Comfy, and Outta Gas.