From Seattle to San Diego: Poems Bring a Global Pulse to Indie Rock

On the surface, San Diego’s Poems make shimmering, guitar driven indie rock that wouldn’t sound out of place on a British festival stage circa 2005.

But underneath the fuzz and hooks there’s something far more universal happening. Their sophomore EP "Half-Life" is a record about the struggle to grow up, about negotiating anxiety, medication and identity, and about the ways music can become a lifeline. Those are themes that cross borders, languages and genres and it’s part of what makes Poems so compelling for a global audience.

The opening track “Placebo” sets the tone with lightly distorted guitars and breathy harmonies that feel like they’ve drifted in from another realm. “NFS” follows with a more shadowy restraint, while “Afterparty” bursts with live show energy — a portrayal of dressing your best, showing up to a room full of people and still feeling trapped inside your own head.

Across the EP, what stands out is Poems’s chemistry. This isn’t a group of musicians simply layering parts. It’s five players moving as one organism, their contributions interlocking seamlessly. That synergy gives the songs a depth and fluidity that makes them feel bigger than their parts — a trait more common to folk collectives and jazz ensembles than to indie rock outfits.

Poems clearly take inspiration from early 2000's UK indie (Interpol, The National, Hippo Campus, The Wallows), yet the production by Brian Squillace, mixing by John Catlin, and mastering by Grammy winner John Greenham give the tracks a spacious and transatlantic quality. The guitars shimmer rather than bite, the vocals hover rather than dominate. This is a sound that feels open and welcoming.

And then there’s the message. Poems have spoken openly about wanting to channel their platform into charitable work and about their belief that music carries real power. "Half-Life" isn’t just a set of songs; it’s a statement about survival, empathy and growth. That’s why it resonates beyond its regional scene.

Who Are Poems?

Formed in Seattle in 2021 before relocating to San Diego, Poems are Philip Ernest, Grayson Hagopian, Zae Howell, Jeremy Smucker, and Sammuel McCubbin. Together they’ve built a reputation for commanding live shows at venues like The Casbah, The Belly Up Tavern, and San Francisco’s Brick & Mortar. Their collaborative writing process draws on each member’s distinct influences with a sound that nods to indie’s past but pushes toward something uniquely their own.

With Half Life, Poems have delivered a collection of songs that moves across genres and borders, much like the issues it confronts. For listeners who crave indie rock with emotional weight and a global sensibility, Poems are a band to watch.