The Bandcamp description for BELTED SWEATER literally reads as follows: ‘Like if Henry Rollins was in the Pet Shop Boys but with live drums and even gayer lyrics, chronicling terribly awkward Grindr hookups.‘ Now, in my opinion, that is probably the best one-line summary for the project and perhaps the overall atmosphere of this album as it can possibly get, if we were to summarize it just like that. But, because I also don’t feel this can be summarized in one line, personally, I’m here to type a whole bunch of words of exactly why you should put this one in your rotation queue as soon as possible, and why it’s a magnificent release – also in my humble opinion. Something I appreciate about metal music, particular all its sub-categories and how it’s branched off over the years, is that (for better or worse) we always get a fresh breath of air somewhere, and a record like this just keeps that creative wheel turning and well-oiled; disagree or agree as you will, we need more records like Belted Sweater out there.
In doing my research on BELTED SWEATER, as I’m incredibly new to this artist’s work, it is no surprise to me that Zegema Beach Records appears to not only be in the know, but have also put up a full album stream on their YouTube channel a day before this album dropped. Given David is ‘that dude’ and just stays in the know and hot on the case of awesome, upcoming acts within the mathcore, skramz, experimental, and other go-off-the-rails style acts under any of those sort of umbrellas, BELTED SWEATER makes no exception to further proof ZBR, in fact, knows what’s up. But my eternal praise for that badass label aside, I think I’ve definitely found yet another new favorite in 2025, and definitely a contender for a ‘Top Albums of 2025’ listening over this. Even just from hitting play on “Meat Pink”, you get a whirlwind of sounds that leave you starstruck and adrenaline pumped from start to finish.
Christopher Patrick Gregory does all of this himself; yes, you read that correctly. Quite literally a single-member act pumping a mountain of gorgeous melodies, synthy bliss, immaculate drum beats, and straight-from-the-heart (or maybe throat) skramzy vocal work that’ll leave you hooked on this rollercoaster for about 4 or 5 additional rides after the initial. Imagine your favorite rollercoaster at your favorite theme park, but turned into the form of audio and still filling you with all the same levels of excitement and serotonin as you listen through whatever medium you choose – sounds sensual, yeah? Well, lets just say BELTED SWEATER is a master of audible intimacy here, if that is to be believed.
The songs “Wilt”, “Rim Queen”, and “Still” are among favorites for me, but I’ve truly yet to find a single song on this 9-track monument to pure creativity. Even if there are artists you could compare even just hints of stylization to, this is truly something far different than anything I’ve heard before, I simply wish BELTED SWEATER were on the East Coast rather than West, only so it’d maybe be more likely for me to catch a live show. But, that just means I need to work my way out there sometime in the near future again, and keep up on what Christopher is doing in the way of live events. I normally hate comparisons, but, this genuinely hits like a mix of Deafheaven, The Midnight, The Bravery, and Poison the Well all in the same place. Make of that combination what you will, I’m here to tell you it works almost too well.
As always, don’t just take my word for it! You have been given many examples, reasons, and links here to nudge you into listening, but you should make your own judgment. Once more, if you ask me? This is one of the coolest records released this year, and that tends to be one of the only times I end up reviewing a record anymore, is just when I feel like ‘wow, this needs to be talked about ASAP‘, which I have to imagine is most of us writers anymore. But, as much high regard as I hold anything I take the time to review to, there are few and far between releases that just strike a particular nerve with me and feel like ‘yeah, this is more than just a record to me, this is something I want to get the vinyl of and hang in like a special room in my house as a sort of art exhibit that chronicles what I believe are among true pivotal points of human capability within art‘. Long-winded as that may be, I know I’m not alone in the idea that, when you find something meaningful to you in such an exceptional way, you just know. BELTED SWEATER appears to be a new addition to that knowing, as of hearing this record!
I wish the same for all you avid music enjoyers hoping to find your own slice of good brain juice to help ease the pain of existence currently, or whatever other reasons you may have. But again, all I can give you is what I experienced in delving into this record, it’s up to you to make of it what you will! On that note, I welcome and implore you to go stream the album (and hopefully buy, y’know, gotta keep the art alive) via Bandcamp, and keep up with all things BELTED SWEATER via Instagram! In conclusion, I have one more embed above to send you off with, which also happens to be the last track of the album. Feel something, it is the passions and the expressions that make our human condition and existence all the worthwhile. Much love, all you who read and seek to listen!
