Let’s Pretend is a Bloomington, Indiana label responsible for releasing records by some of the Midwest’s best punk acts — Erin Tobey, Vacation, and the late, great Nervosas to name a few. One more you can add to that list is Middle Children, a new project from Patrick Jennings of Hot New Mexicans and Purple 7. Jennings came of age in Athens, Georgia and is now based in Bloomington. Earth Angel, Middle Children’s debut album, is out in a few weeks, and despite the clear influence of the Plan It X folk-punk scene that was rooted in Bloomington for the past couple decades, it mostly sounds like a DIY version of Wilco or the Replacements. Which is to say “Fish,” the single they’re sharing today, is a punk track with melodic roots-rock tendencies, brimming with so much nervous tension you could practically snap it over your knee. It’s an exceptional introduction to this band, so check it out below.

Earth Angel is out 3/3 on Let’s Pretend. Pre-order it here.