Macseal

Known for their infectious melodies, hooky guitar parts, and captivating live shows, Long Island’s Macseal emerged in 2015 with the release of their debut self-titled EP. Following a series of subsequent releases and a rigorous touring schedule, the band took a breath, got to writing, and reckoned with the aspects of life that inspired them to start a band in the first place.

The constant travel of a touring musician’s lifestyle makes it difficult to feel settled down and connected to loved ones in a meaningful way. When the world came to a full stop, the band took advantage of finally having time to reconnect with family, friends, and each other in ways they weren’t able to before. They found joy in the core of what they had, even when they had nothing else. The resulting album, Permanent Repeat (2024), is the self-composed coming-of-age movie soundtrack to their own lives.

After weekly writing sessions in drummer Frankie Impastato’s grandma’s basement, Permanent Repeat took shape as the first Macseal release where each member resided in the same state, resulting in the four musicians having their strongest connection to date. Late 1990s and early 2000s pop-rock artists such as Fountains of Wayne, Michelle Branch, and The Goo Goo Dolls served as sonic and emotional benchmarks. The band throws in technical twists along the way, all while providing wistful anecdotes about touring, falling in love, and longing. Each song marries the glee felt as kids listening to those artists, and the fulfillment felt as adults finally figuring out what is most important to them. The amalgamation makes for Macseal’s most catchy and heartfelt record yet.