Car Seat Headrest in the news – Dec. 2017

“Car Seat Headrest says artists can still make money from Spotify”

–Tyler Jenke on The Industry Observer, Dec. 30, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest’s Will Toledo Claims That You Can Make Money From Spotify”

–Tom Breihan in Spin, Dec. 29, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest’s Will Toledo Defends Spotify’s Royalty Payments”

–Jem Aswad on Variety, Dec. 29, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest’s Will Toledo Defends Spotify”

–Lisa Nguyen on Paste, Dec. 28, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest Made $30,000 From Spotify. Is It a Lucrative Platform for Indie Artists?”

–David Turner on TrackRecord, Dec. 28, 2017

“Twin Fantasy, originally released in 2011 by Car Seat Headrest, is getting reworked and reissued in early 2018.”

–Christopher Lantinen on Modern Vinyl, Dec. 28, 2017

“33. Car Seat Headrest”

–Michael Nelson in “The 101 Most Anticipated Albums of 2018” on Stereogum, Dec. 21, 2017

“…the band once again prove why they’re better than anyone else at finding that sweet intersection between conventional 90’s rock tropes and the more progressively experimental Pavement-like wizardry.”

–Mark Conroy re: “Beach Life-in-Death” in New Music Weekly, Dec. 21, 2017

“‘Beach Life-In-Death’ is a 13-minute whopper that moves through various movements and eventually bursts into a cathartic explosion at the end.”

DIY, Dec. 14, 2017

“…the 13-minute cut dips in and out of numerous genres, but there’s always a subtle surfy vibe rolling underneath.”

–Ben Kaye on Consequence of Sound, Dec. 13, 2017

“…an essential piece of listening.”

–Wes Martin on Collide, Dec. 13, 2017

“…it moves through various passages, distorted and racing at first, then quieting down before bursting back open into a cathartic rush of a final act.”

–Ryan Leas on Stereogum, Dec. 13, 2017

“Best New Track: ‘Beach Life in Death’”

Pitchfork, Dec. 13, 2017

 

Car Seat Headrest in the news – Oct. 2017

“Played to mourners were Ankle Shackles by King Creosote; Cosmic Hero by Car Seat Headrest; Kennedy by The Wedding Present; Somewhere Only We Know by Lily Allen; Bye Bye Baby by Bay City Rollers and most aptly of all, Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now by his beloved Smiths.”

Chortle re: funeral of comedian Sean Hughes, Oct. 24, 2017

“This is not a well written song; this is an essential work of art.”

–Jackson Radley re: “Beach Life-in-Death” on medium.com, Oct. 20, 2017

“Yet rather than deficits, the singer-songwriter turns his nearly somnambulant stage presence and droning voice into virtues. ”

–Michael Toland in Austin Chronicle, Oct. 8, 2017

“Will Toledo is not a rockstar. But he knows how to read a crowd.”

Austin American-Statesman, Oct. 7, 2017

“The Seattle-based quartet rolls Pavement hooks and guitar jams into Toledo’s ennui-drenched narratives, late-night streetlight anthems for a new generation of the cynically restless and bored slouching toward melodic escape.”

–Doug Freeman in The Austin Chronicle, Oct. 7, 2017

“Their indie bedroom confession rock ripped at Sound On Sound Fest last year. ”

–Eric Webb on Austin 360, Oct. 7, 2017

Car Seat Headrest in the news – Aug. 2017

“…chief songwriter Will Toledo has carved a reputation with something that really shouldn’t make him stand out from the crowd, but in today’s world, does: the ability to make genuinely exciting rock music.”

–Jochan Embley on Independent, Aug. 31, 2017

“Car Seat completely won this one and showed little intimidation from the size of the night. ”

–Tom Churchill on BrightonsFinest, Aug. 29, 2017

“Featuring plenty of Will Toledo lyrical prowess and a punctuated drum beat, War Is Coming (If You Want It) strays away from the witticisms of Teens Of Denial to deliver a straight up pop-rock tune with an unambiguous message.”

–Tom Geraghty on The 730 Review, August 19, 2017

“Daniel Craig took the whole ‘Logan Lucky’ cast to see Car seat Headrest”

–Chris DeVille in Billboard, Aug. 18, 2017

“Lots has already been said about how prolific of a songwriter Will Toledo is, and he’s on his way to becoming one of the most iconic American indie stars of the decade with elements of Sparklehorse, Julian Casablancas and Weezer intertwining nicely.”

–Cai Trefor on Gigwise, Aug. 17, 2017

“It Turns Out James Bond Is A Huge Fan Of The Band Car Seat Headrest”

Corbin Reiff on Uproxx, Aug. 17, 2017

“While being a moody, yet inspiring tune with a brilliant performance by Andrew Katz on drums, it’s message speaks volumes. ”

–Ben Potts re: “War is Coming” on WFPK (Louisville), Aug. 16, 2017

“Accepted far and wide as one of the defining albums of last year, the artist lesser known as Will Toledo has headed back into the studio to deliver the stark and potentially prophetic ‘War Is Coming (If You Want It).'”

–Robert Blair on Tenement TV, Aug. 16, 2017

“At the moment America is going through a radical change. The country is continually overshadowed by efforts to whitewash their celebrated culture with a deeply unsettling mindset of ‘normalcy.’ Car Seat Headrest is doing all they can to help.”

–Jack Whatley in Far Out Magazine, Aug. 16, 2017

“According to Toledo, it is ‘a song about not murdering people.’ A tad more information can be gleaned from the title — an homage to John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s famous anti-war campaign, which included the message ‘War Is Over (If You Want It).'”

–Gary on somethinggood music, Aug. 15, 2017

“This is a very earnest song about how much violence sucks, and Toledo, with a great balance between restraint and despair, pulls it off.”

–Kevin Lozano on Pitchfork, Aug. 15, 2017

“Today’s track has the radio-ready feel that wrapped ‘Teens of Denial’ without abandoning the messianic aspirations of Car Seat Headrest’s earlier work.”

–Aaron Vargas on Best Before, Aug. 15, 2017

“According to Will Toledo, ‘War is Coming (If You Want It)’ is about ‘not murdering people.'”

–Huw Baines on stereoboard, Aug. 15, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest Invoke The Spirit Of John Lennon On Their New Single ‘War Is Coming (If You Want It)’”

–Corbin Reiff on Uproxx, Aug. 14, 2017

“Now Matador has put out the glossier, significantly-altered version of the brittle and politically-tinged song as a single.”

–Winston Cook-Wilson on spin.com, Aug. 14, 2017

“In typically wry fashion, Car Seat Headrest’s Will Toledo described ‘War Is Coming’ as a song about not murdering people, which unfortunately feels all too necessary for the current state of our society.”

–Meredith Nardino on Baeble Music, Aug. 14, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest has released the official version of their new single ‘War Is Coming (If You Want It).'”

–Tyler Schmitt on Variance Magazine, Aug. 14, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest’s new song is here in earnest, and it’s a doozy.”

–Scott Russell on Paste, Aug. 14, 2017

“According to bandleader Will Toledo, the unabashedly political tune is ‘about not murdering people.'”

–Sarah Murphy on Exclaim!, Aug. 14, 2017

“On the next album, Car Seat Headrest could be playing much bigger rooms. Seeing them now only underlines the fact that we’re watching someone’s rapid ascension.”

–Ryan Leas on Stereogum, Aug. 7, 2017

“‘War Is Coming’ as a whole is a clarion call, an incendiary plea for us to ‘Reach out [our] hands and save someone’s life.'”

–Sean Hannah on blinkclyro, Aug. 6, 2017

“‘War is Coming (If You Want It),’ at least the version we get to hear today, harkens back to Will Toledo’s past as a one-man bedroom-indie factory on Bandcamp.”

–Tom Breihan on Stereogum, Aug. 4, 2017

“We haven’t heard much in the way of new tunes from Car Seat Headrest since last summer’s superlative Teens of Denial, making the acclaimed indie-rock outfit’s release of a brand new song today particularly thrilling.”

–Scott Russell on Paste Magazine, Aug. 4, 2017

“It’s hard to say how different this take will be from the final single, but it certainly seems a lot more spacious and outward-focused than much of CSH’s discography.”

–Ben Kaye on Consequence of Sound, Aug. 4, 2017

“Today, Bandcamp is donating all of its proceeds from music sales to the Transgender Law Center and Car Seat Headrest is one of the artists using that as an opportunity to share new music via the platform.”

–Jasmine Albertson on kexp.org, Aug. 4, 2017

“Participants include Car Seat Headrest, King Britt and Speedy Ortiz, as well as dozens of record labels including Sub Pop, Merge, ANTI-, Kill Rock Stars and Greenleaf.”

–Anastasia Tsioulcas on npr.org, Aug. 4, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest have announced a new song, to be released tomorrow in conjunction with Bandcamp’s sitewide fundraiser for the Transgender Law Center.”

–Noah Yoo on Pitchfork, Aug. 3, 2017

Car Seat Headrest in the news – June 2017

“Their haunting melodies adhere themselves to your inner ear and leave you deciding to just leave the album on loop for hours on end.”

–Scott Castro on RVA Hub, June 29, 2017

“Don’t miss indie rock band Car Seat Headrest.”

–Colleen Curran in Richmond Times Dispatch, June 28, 2017

“Catch up with the Leesburg-born band ahead of their closeout performance at Friday Cheers on June 30”

–Robey Martin in Richmond Mag, June 27, 2017

“…one track from the record stood out for me and sparked something deep inside of me that few songs have before.”

theindianindiehead, June 22, 2017

“‘His name is Ethan Ives and he plays in a band called Car Seat Headrest,’ she said casually.”

–Gabe Pollack on KEXP.org, June 20, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest Juggling Criticism, Praise as a Young Band”

–Kristin M. Hall on Associated Press News, June 19, 2017

“The twenty-something is able to reach back and pull out some of that late teen angst, turn it into a brilliant indie rock sound, and then throw in (sort of but not…) covers here and there, making you scratch your head like whaaaat but then the end result is ‘OMG I love this.'”

–Brittany on Live Music Louisville, June 19, 2017

“…the band created a quintessential Bonnaroovian moment: everyone in the audience could relate to the excitement of a fantasy coming to fruition, so the tent’s overflowing positivity – emanating equally powerfully from the band and their crowd – only enhanced Car Seat Headrest’s already consistently superior indie rock chops.”

–David Brendan Hall on Consequence of Sound, June 12, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest had one of the best sets of the festival. Keep an eye on Will Toledo, he is surely destined for even bigger things.”

–Chris Rutledge in American Songwriter, June 10, 2017

“A star was born on stage at This Tent Friday afternoon, and we’re not talking about indie-rockers Car Seat Headrest — though they’re among the most acclaimed acts to emerge from that world in the last few years.”

–Dave Paulson in The Tennessean, June 9, 2017

“The four-piece took to the stage with no ceremony, grabbed their instruments and proceeded to melt my face off with a blistering performance.”

–Joe Marvilli on No Ripcord, June 9, 2017

“Toledo raps, under the stage name ‘Stoney Bologne,’ about how bullies pushed him into pools and kicked his face.”

–Grant Sharples on Paste, June 8, 2017

“After cheekily acknowledging the piece on Twitter yesterday, Toledo and his band have dropped what’s been described as “our new, on-point diss track.”

–Sarah Murphy on Exclaim!, June 8, 2017

“Will Toledo shares his ‘brand new, on-point diss track’ after Sam Ray called his music ‘thoroughly bland'”

–Evan Minsker on Pitchfork, June 7, 2017

“Ricky Eat Acid Shares Essay-Length Car Seat Headrest Takedown”

–Chris DeVille on Stereogum, June 7, 2017

“Toledo’s ‘Stoney Bologne’ is less of a diss track and more of a rambling joke-rap digression about being bullied in school…”

–Peter Helman on Stereogum, June 7, 2017

“…to be among a friendly group of people, all connecting, all exuding redemptive, therapeutic energy was inspirational.”

–Turner Walston on Argyle Creative Media, June 6, 2017

“From one of the top albums of 2016 – Teens of Denial – Car Seat Headrest’s Will Toledo sings about past lives, drugs, that guy he hates and well, being letdown by hippie culture, all with charged-up guitars and a crazy-good hook.”

–Anurag Tagat on Askmen India, June 5, 2017

“Governor’s Ball After Dark — Car Seat Headrest”

crowdalbum, June 5, 2017

“Despite his shy demeanor, this anti-frontman’s ability to mesmerize a room is a testament his solid songwriting, which was on full display tonight.”

–Audra Tracy on The Waster, June 4, 2017

“Mighty songs from a muscular band.”

–“All Songs Considered” on NPR, June 1, 2017

Car Seat Headrest in the news – May 2017

“Alternative band Car Seat Headrest, who has been making waves in the music industry since the release of their sophomore album, ‘Teens of Denial,’ will be playing a late-night set at Webster Hall after their performance at Gov Ball.”

–Dana Reszutek on amNY.com, May 25, 2017

“Lo-fi indie rocker and Bartlett favorite Car Seat Headrest, the project of Will Toledo, makes its Sasquatch debut this year… Toledo has a cult following so expect big crowds.”

–Azaria Podplesky, The Spokesman-Review, May 25, 2017

“9 bands to discover at Sasquatch 2017”

–Branden on 107.7 the end (Seattle), May 24, 2017

“CSH proved themselves to be contenders as just an excellent and unique rock band in an era where rock music isn’t necessarily in the spotlight for American music culture anymore. All hail Will Toledo. All hail Car Seat Headrest.”

–Mitchell Banks on WIUX (Indiana University Student Radio), May 23, 2017

“Australian alt-rock trio Middle Kids are announcing a North American tour today. To promote it they went on SiriusXM radio, where singer Hannah Joy performed a solo piano cover of Car Seat Headrest’s Teens Of Denial opener ‘Fill In The Blank.'”

–Chris DeVille on Stereogum, May 17, 2017

“With a very personal, smart, and insightful lyrical prowess and a dynamic, inventive indie rock style, Car Seat Headrest are one of the most exciting rock group to pop up in recent memory, and with an engaging, stellar live show to boot, they’re at must-see at Bonnaroo.”

–Philip Obenschain on No Country, May 15, 2017

“The band now tours the world and continues to top all the charts with their songs that are angsty, emotionally complicated in the most endearing way, and so honest that it sometimes stings.”

–Cynthia Bonitz on mxdwn.com, May 11, 2017

“The energy, comfort and familiar awkwardness of the set was exactly what the night called for and Toledo did not disappoint.”

–Adrian Vega-Albela Osorio on KSXC Radio (Los Angeles), May 10, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest’s ambition and stunning songwriting has been apparent since its early days of recording in Toledo’s car − only difference is that they’ve upgrading their recording digs and there’s a host of adoring fans listening.”

–Avery Newmark on AJC.com, May 5, 2017

Car Seat Headrest in the news – April 2017

“Last night, ‘Conan’ welcomed musical guests Car Seat Headrest.”

–Evan Minsker on Pitchfork, April 19, 2017

“In between Coachella weekends, Car Seat Headrest stopped by Conan on Tuesday night (4/18) to perform a somewhat revamped version of ‘Unforgiving Girl (She’s Not An)’ from last year’s terrific Teens of Style.”

–Bill Pearis on Brooklyn Vegan, April 19, 2017

“Our 2016 Rookie of the Year performed a new version of ‘Unforgiving Girl” (She’s Not An),’ taken from last year’s excellent Teens of Denial.”

–Michelle Geslani on Consequence of Sound, April 19, 2017

“I don’t know if Will Toledo is satisfied, but I’m certainly happy that songs like ‘Faith In Anyone’ finally made their way into the world.”

–Alex Galbraith on Uproxx, April 17, 2017

“But although Radiohead played to a surprisingly small audience…middlebrow guitar bands such as Bastille, Car Seat Headrest and Local Natives pulled fans in numbers that suggested rock isn’t dead yet…”

–Mikael Wood in the Los Angeles Times, April 16, 2017

“Listen to his lovely, acoustic cover of ‘That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore’…”

–Janice Headley on KEXP-FM, April 12, 2017

“For his passionate and heartbreaking version of ‘That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore,’ Toledo swaps out all the electric guitars and drums for a single acoustic guitar.”

–Robin Hilton on NPR Music, April 12, 2017

“Truly haunting.”

DIY Magazine, April 12, 2017

“…this acoustic version is pretty haunting and would definitely make Morrissey proud.”

Pure Volume, April 12, 2017

“Toledo’s version is an aching acoustic rendition in the vein of his ‘Pyramid Song’ cover…”

–Peter Helman on Stereogum, April 11, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest have shared an acoustic cover of the Smiths’ song ‘That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore.'”

–Noah Yoo on Pitchfork, April 11, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest have a certain touch which makes them a shining beacon in the ocean of Indie bands competing for attention today.”

–Clare Kelly in Counterfeit Magazine, April 5, 2017

Car Seat Headrest in the news – March 2017

“Today, [Toledo] revealed some interesting details about the songwriting and publicly processes behind his two most ambitious albums.”

–Rob Arcand in Spin Magazine, March 30, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest Surprise Highlight of BBC 6 Music Festival Day 2”

–Suzanne Oswald and Robert Blair on Gigwise, March 27, 2017

“…half way through the night a newly married couple, still fully dressed up, arrive in the crowd, bouquets in hand. More remarkably, they are not even obviously happier than the folks surrounding them.”

–Max Pilley on Too Many Blogs, March 27, 2017

“This week, Car Seat Headrest – the indie rock anti-heroes behind 2016’s brilliant Teens Of Denial – curate 19 tracks spanning Tom Waits, Nirvana, Pixies, Leonard Cohen and Guided By Voices.”

Crack Magazine, March 27, 2017

“The rollicking guitar and drums pulse through the song, showing off the simplicity and beauty of Toledo’s songwriting.”

–Javi Fedrick on The Arts Desk, March 27, 2017

“People around me jump, sweat, sing along, feeling emotionally connected to the stage, where a 25 years old man from Virginia moves fast through his setlist.”

–Marco on Indie + Tonic, March 24, 2017

[Will Toledo’s] “awkward take on issues that impact most teens and young adults such as drugs, sex, and insecurity make him extremely relatable. ”

–Aliyah Webs in Affinity Magazine, March 12, 2017

“Coming off his fantastic album, Teens of Denial, our 2016 Rookie of the Year is scheduled to play practically every music festival there is, from Quebec’s Osheaga to Tennessee’s Bonnaroo to Norway’s Oya.”

–Ben Kaye on Consequence of Sound, March 6, 2017

“Will Toledo will be taking his band out on the road for an extensive run of headlining dates…”

PureVolume, March 6, 2017

“Car Seat Headrest have announced a slew of new tour dates for 2017.”

–Noah Yoo on Pitchfork, March 6, 2017