New Jersey’s own Pocket Gum is back, and they’re hitting harder than ever with their latest single, “Wasted.” Blending the atmospheric haze of shoegaze with the cathartic punch of pop-punk, the duo — Joshua Elavia (guitar) and Ryan Von Sauers (bass) — delivers a brutally honest exploration of self-destruction and emotional turmoil. This time, they’re peeling back every layer, leaving listeners with their most raw and unfiltered work to date.
“Wasted” plunges straight into the shadows of a drunken reality — the track is a sobering reflection on the struggle to stay afloat while haunted by internal battles. With hypnotic layers of reverb-soaked guitar riffs and a relentless, propulsive bassline, the song builds a sonic tension that mirrors the emotional push-and-pull of the lyrics. The band describes it as a reflection on “facing our demons while trying to maintain our day-to-day — going through the motions of monotony.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, capturing the weight of existing within a fog of regret and repetition.
What makes “Wasted” even more striking is its backstory. The track was nearly six years in the making — a testament to Pocket Gum’s commitment to their craft. While the drums were recorded at Mt. Moon Recording Studio in Philadelphia, the rest of the track retains its unmistakable DIY charm. Vocals and instrumentation were recorded in their own basement DIY venue, Mum’s, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The result? A sound that feels both intimately personal and unapologetically raw.
The song’s emotional core is further amplified by its mesmerizing choruses and deeply resonant lyricism. Every reverberating guitar chord and crashing cymbal paints a picture of longing and frustration. Yet, beneath the haze, “Wasted” finds strength in its vulnerability. It’s a declaration that even in moments of self-destruction, there’s something powerful in facing the wreckage head-on.
With this release, Pocket Gum continues to cement their place as a rising force in the alternative scene. Fearless in their storytelling and relentless in their pursuit of sonic experimentation, “Wasted” stands as a defining moment for the duo — a track that demands to be felt as much as it’s heard.
Pocket Gum’s latest offering is a must-listen. Keep an eye on these two — if “Wasted” is any indication, they’re only just beginning to scratch the surface of their potential.
