Ben Kweller‘s latest single, “Dollar Store,” featuring Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield, is a heartfelt journey into 90s indie rock nostalgia. The track opens with a mesmerizing guitar riff that immediately evokes the era’s iconic sound, reminiscent of bands like the Smashing Pumpkins. Kweller’s vocals, carrying a raw and introspective quality, parallel the emotive style of Elliott Smith, adding depth to the song’s contemplative lyrics.
Building on the song’s nostalgic themes, the newly released music video is set primarily in a darkened motel room, complete with a box television that feels out of place in today’s modern world.
The collaboration with Crutchfield enriches the track. Her harmonies blend seamlessly with Kweller’s, creating a hauntingly beautiful duet. The song’s progression builds from a subdued, reflective tone to a powerful crescendo, mirroring the emotional turmoil of grappling with anxiety and hopelessness.
“Dollar Store” is part of Kweller’s forthcoming album, Cover The Mirrors—pre-save here—set for release on May 30, 2025, the 19th birthday of his late son, Dorian Zev. The album marks Kweller’s return to music following Dorian’s tragic passing in 2023, infusing the project with profound personal significance. The 12-track collection features collaborations with artists such as MJ Lenderman, The Flaming Lips, and Coconut Records, promising a diverse and emotionally rich listening experience.
For those who find solace in the reflective sounds of early 2000s indie rock, “Dollar Store” offers a comforting embrace, inviting listeners to ponder life’s complexities— perhaps during a long, contemplative walk with the track as a companion.
Cover The Mirrors is available for pre-order now, with “Dollar Store” streaming on all major platforms. Fans can also look forward to Kweller’s North American headline tour, beginning April 15, 2025, in Atlanta, GA, and concluding on July 26, 2025, in Phoenix, AZ.
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