Push Puppets ○ Tethered Together

From CANADA

Chicago indie pop-rock outfit Push Puppets presents 'Launching a Satellite', a dramatic epic about insecurity that evolves as it goes. This is the latest gem from their fourth multifaceted album 'Tethered Together', newly released via Flowering Tree Music. With dynamic choruses that offer stark contrast to the quieter more exploratory sections, it ends with stunning interplay between the string quartet and electric guitar.

Based in Chicago, Push Puppets creates songs with earworm melodies and shiny production that belie often-bittersweet sentiments. This is the creative outlet for singer-songwriter and guitarist Erich Specht (lead vocals, guitar), who is joined by a core of Steve Frisbie (backup vocals, guitar), Kyle Magnusson (keyboards), John William Lauler (bass) and Greg Essig (drums).

This astral-themed video was pgeroduced by Scott Thiele and Sebastian Gonzales. with video editing and animation by Tcomas Studio. Push Puppes are joined by a string quartet, comprised of Stephanie “Sly” Young on violin, Katherine Andrick on viola, Molly Rife on cello and Kelly Jozwiak on violin (note: Janis Sakai performs in the audio recording).

"It was fun to see this song fully realized with the string quartet adding so much. While performing live, I would typically play the instrumental section on guitar imitating violins. So it was exciting to adapt it to a real string quartet while still keeping some room for lead guitar," says Erich Specht.

"This album offers a nod to the artistic excesses of the 70s, whether it's a wall of phased vocals or a moment where guitars and strings rip a quick line together between phrases. The tracks are widely varied yet cohesive - and within a given song, you're likely to be taken elsewhere."

Produced by Doug McBride (Smashing Pumpkins, Veruca Salt, Silversun Pickups, Cheap Trick) and Erich Specht, ‘Tethered Together’ was mixed and mastered by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios in Chicago. Most of the songs on this album also involve a string quartet, with a horn section on one.

This record is graced with impeccable songwriting that shines with lush harmonies, angular guitars, dramatic keyboards and strings backed by a smoking rhythm section. Erich Specht muses on relationships and loss, as well as the weight and joy of life, in a manner that is poetic and seems effortless, his lyrics fitting to the melody like pieces of a puzzle. Wearing his vulnerabilities like a badge of honor, this music takes us on a journey to unexpected places.

Kicking off with the arena-rocking anthem ‘Similar’, which explores universal connections, and 'Hearts Aren’t Souvenirs', 'Probably' offers a poignant tribute with a dramatic string-laden conclusion. The superb 'All Together On 3' builds progressively to a cathartic blend of live strings and desperate vocals, highlighting the strength found in unity.

The album continues its sonic journey with the dramatic and evolving 'Launching a Satellite', culminating in a striking interplay between strings and electric guitar. 'This Whole Endeavor' hooks the listener with a memorable piano riff while recounting the ebb and flow of a past relationship. A lighthearted interlude arrives with the retro rocker 'Tell Colleen to Calm Down', followed by the Spanish-tinged inhibition-shedding 'Shake It Like You Mean It'. The album delves into the pain of lost love in the Americana-influenced 'Hearts Are Fragile' before reaching a powerful and dramatic conclusion with 'The Logical Conclusion', driven by intense strings and piano.

The 'Tethered Together' album is out now, available on CD, digitally on fine digital platforms. It can be obtained in either format directly from the artist via Bandcamp.

"Push Puppets know how to make music that is vaguely familiar and brilliantly original; songs that already feel like classics... the honest and relatable lyrics makes you think of the best of Difford or Tilbrook’s post-Squeeze creations"
~ Big Takeover Magazine

"Meticulously crafted soundscapes recalling the infectious hooks of Fastball, clever lyrical turns of Ben Folds Five, the shimmering polish of Gin Blossoms... a clear understanding how to construct compelling musical moments" ~ The Spill Magazine

"Melodic rock with a philosophical, optimistic message... a warm, radio-friendly sound... the string quartet contributes an extra dimension to the song’s dramatic effect" ~ Skylight Webzine

"The perfect balance between accessibility and pop sensibilities to create a dynamic that feels both engaging and introspective... Effortlessly blending catchy melodies with heartfelt emotion, Push Puppets marks another impressive chapter in their evolving sound" ~ Music-News.com

Push Puppets

Tethered Together

'Launching A Satellite' video out June 17.
Album released via Flowering Tree Music

17 June 2025

TRACK LIST

01 Similar (3:37)
02 Hearts Aren't Souvenirs (4:36)
03 Probably (3:29)
04 All Together On 3 (5:00)
05 Launching a Satellite (4:17)
06 This Whole Endeavor (4:35)
07 Tell Colleen to Calm Down (3:50)
08 Shake It Like You Mean It (3:10)
09 Hearts Are Fragile (3:29)
10 The Logical Conclusion (4:21)

ALBUM CREDITS
Lyrics & music by Erich Specht (ASCAP)
Produced by Doug McBride and Erich Specht
Mixed & mastered by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios
Recorded in Chicago at Gravity Studios and Erich Specht's studio
Erich Specht – lead vocals, guitars, string arrangements
Steve Frisbie – backup vocals
Kyle Magnusson – keyboards
John William Lauler – bass
Greg Essig - drums
Stephanie “Sly” Young – violin
Janis Sakai – violin
Katherine Andrick – viola
Molly Rife – cello
Mitch “The Lip” Goldman – trumpet on ;Hearts Aren't Souvenirs’
Tom Trinka – saxophone on ‘Hearts Aren't Souvenirs"
Norman Friede – trombone on ‘Hearts Aren't Souvenirs’
Tommi Zender – add. vocals, guitar, charango on
‘This Whole Endeavor’ & ‘Hearts Are Fragile’
Cover artwork by Crow Prints
Released & published by Flowering Tree Music (ASCAP)
Videos produced by Scott Thiele and Sebastian Gonzales
Video editing and animation by Tcomas Studio
Artist photos by Gabi Bucataru
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Push Puppets
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook
Instagram | BlueSky | YouTube
TikTok | Spotify | Apple Music

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