Who is Excuse Me, Who Are You? – A First Look At “...In The Test Chamber”
by Claire Borgelt
Since coming together last September, Excuse Me, Who Are You? has quickly established a reputation in the Madison music scene for performances that deliver audiences a definite answer to the question which serves as their namesake. With Stuart Benjamin on guitar, Kyle Kinney on vocals, Hayden Johnson on bass and Jamie Goodrich-Ryan on the drums, the group masterfully blends twinkling midwest emo elements with post-hardcore intensity. Spirited live gigs and an off-the-wall social media presence have attracted avid fans, and the obvious joy that these musicians take in their art has helped make the release of their first single, “...In the Test Chamber” a resounding success.
As the track begins, a rapid, incendiary drumline combines with driving, bittersweet guitar chords to produce a melody which feels like a cathartic homecoming. From the first notes, this song evokes the same sense of nostalgia as visiting an old friend or driving through your hometown late at night – it’s immediately emotional and accessible, despite the fact that its evolving tempo, anthemic instrumentals, and impassioned lyrics produce something entirely new.
This song serves as a testament to each musician’s unique skills – Benjamin’s intricate guitar flourishes take center stage just before a clever change of pace sheds light on Johnson’s foundational bassline. The steady clarity of Goodrich-Ryan’s rhythm lends its strength to the song’s heavier interludes. Perhaps one of the piece’s most impactful moments comes as Kinney’s raw vocals hang in the space between instrumental notes for an echoed declaration of healing and grief.
“...In The Test Chamber” illustrates that Excuse Me, Who Are You? possesses not only creative chemistry and magnetic performance skills, but the technical talent to match. As they prepare for future releases and attract increasingly large crowds, this band is one to watch closely.