Some albums arrive at exactly the right time. Crying laughing here with you feels like one of them. It’s loud, honest, and packed with the kind of energy that comes from having something real to say.
Chicago band Microcosms have built their identity on music that refuses to look away from the world. Blending punk, hard rock and alternative influences, they write songs that tackle everyday frustrations alongside much bigger conversations about power, inequality and the systems people live under. Rather than relying on shock value, the band backs every riff with purpose, giving their music plenty of weight without losing its sense of personality.
The band was formed by frontman Andrew Tschiltsch after walking away from a career in finance to pursue something that better reflected his values. Since then, Microcosms have grown into a full band, performing at respected Chicago venues including Metro and Empty Bottle, while also helping build opportunities for other artists through community projects and creative initiatives. That DIY mindset runs through everything they do, giving the album an authenticity hard to fake.
At the center of Crying Laughing Here With You is “Glug Glug”, one of the album’s heaviest moments. Thick, sludgy guitars and a relentless groove create a feeling of pressure that never really lets up. It’s a song that captures the exhaustion of watching corporate greed and political power continue to put profits ahead of people. Rather than pointing fingers for its own sake, the track channels frustration into something raw, intense, and strangely cathartic. It sounds massive, but it’s the emotion underneath that leaves the huge impact.
The rest of the album keeps that same momentum while exploring different emotions and experiences. Alongside songs that question modern society are tracks that address anxiety, fear, love, and personal struggles, giving the record far more depth than a straightforward protest album. Every song has its own character, but they all share the same sharp writing and fearless attitude.
With Crying Laughing Here With You, Microcosms have introduced themselves with an album that refuses to play it safe. It’s thoughtful without preaching, aggressive without losing its heart, and proof that rock music can still challenge people while being a genuinely exciting listen. For a debut, it’s a statement that leaves plenty to look forward to next.
https://open.spotify.com/album/7iTMpQ0ARQodPsIlEoWZQ9?si=InuFSjGARESZtFMKq3BasA
