The Austin quintet Font is an exercise of the subconscious. Taking cues from Cormac McCarthy’s psychological essay “The Kekule Problem” and the dance-punk valences of LCD Soundsystem, Font’s debut album, Strange Burden, is a shrewd revitalization of the post-punk that dominated NYC in the early-mid aughts.
Frontman Thom Waddill, multi-instrumentalist Anthony Laurence, bassist Roman Parnell, and dual drummers Jack Owens and Logan Wagner create music steeped in infectious grooves that recall, simultaneously, Talking Heads’ famous rhythm section and Radiohead’s dystopian crooning. It’s this fusion that has made Strange Burden one of the most thrilling, fun, and endlessly listenable debuts of 2024.
Following the record’s release in July, Font sat down with Uproxx to talk about crying at an M83 show, eating the best meal of their lives in Arkansas, and Hop Along in our latest Q&A.
What are four words you would use to describe your music?
Roman: Beep boop cling clang
It’s 2050 and the world hasn’t ended and people are still listening to your music. How would you like it to be remembered?
Roman: We’re constantly discovering insanely good music from 25 years ago. It can be kind of frustrating how much incredible stuff has already been done, but it’s also really inspiring. It’d be sick to be on the other side of the equation and have some new band in 2050 find our music cool.
Who’s the person who has most inspired your work, and why?
Thom: I don’t think I could ever choose one person, but I have been relistening to Hop Along and Frances Quinlan’s solo stuff a lot recently, and I’ve been reminded of how profound their impact — especially their voice — was on me around the time we started the band. I think listening to Quinlan was one of the first times I really heard how wide the emotional range of a singing voice could be.
Where did you eat the best meal of your life and what was it?
Roman: The Root Cafe in Little Rock, AR. Insane cornbread and the best service.
Tell us about the best concert you’ve ever attended.
Roman: I saw M83 back in high school when they came to Dallas. Kaela Sinclair had just joined the band and her singing literally had me in tears standing in GA. Only time that’s ever happened to me at a concert haha
What song never fails to make you emotional?
Anthony: “Death (Far from Cane’s)” by Steven Leftovers
What’s the last thing you Googled?
Anthony: “Yogurt sauce”
Where’s the weirdest place you’ve ever crashed while on tour?
Anthony: In college Roman and I crashed on the stage of the DIY venue we played that same night. Move the gear and roll out the sleeping bags. I think it was in Baton Rouge.
What’s your favorite city in the world to perform and what’s the city you hope to perform in for the first time?
Anthony: New York, Tokyo :)
What’s one piece of advice you’d go back in time to give to your 18-year-old self?
Thom: Start listening to Björk!
What’s one of your hidden talents?
Thom: I’m pretty good with knots
If you had a million dollars to donate to charity, what cause would you support and why?
Thom: Medical Aid for Palestinians. Do I need to say why?
What are your thoughts about AI and the future of music?
Anthony: I think it’s just another tool and I welcome its use and development with open arms. There’s a lot of great AI-based instruments and plugins that are very inspiring. We’re only in trouble when people stop having interesting ideas, which I don’t foresee happening.
You are throwing a music festival. Give us the dream lineup of 5 artists that will perform with you and the location it would be held.
Jack: Steve Reich, Stevie Wonder, Steve Albini, Steve Lacey, Stevie Nicks; we headline vans warped tour for an entire summer.
Who’s your favorite person to follow on social media?
Jack: @Irene.leeee or @Strappnasti
What’s the story behind your first or favorite tattoo?
Jack: I made a series of little paperclip sculptures at work and really liked the shape of one. I wanted a tattoo to commemorate our first shows out of Austin and got a past roommate and good friend to do it in New York. It was the first shape that came to mind when he asked what I wanted to get a tattoo of.
What is your pre-show ritual?
Jack: Deep breathing and stretching.
You have a month off and the resources to take a dream vacation. Where are you going and who is coming with you?
Jack: My partner and I would go on a DIY tour throughout Portugal and Spain, stay on the coast the entire time, relax, eat good food, and play good music.
What is your biggest fear?
Jack: Surprise birthday party.
Strange Burden is available now via Acrophase Records. Find more information here.
