Words by Anthony Abu-Hanna

From humble beginnings on a couch in Boston to touring with Lake Street Dive, Cory Wong, and Sammy Rae & The Friends, Couch is on the rise. They’ve debuted on CBS’ Saturday Morning, won the Salt Lick Incubator award, and now they’re releasing their debut album Big Talk on October 24th.

I got an advance listen. And by advance listen, I mean it’s been on repeat. This may be a debut album, but its polish shows this band is ready for prime time. They brought in mastering engineer Colin Leonard, who’s worked with Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, and H.E.R. His touch showcases the mature sound this young band delivers.

Tema Siegel from Couch explains, “Big talk is the opposite of small talk. It’s about digging deep, making intimate connections, and being bolder, more confident versions of ourselves.” That principle runs through the entire album. It’s modern pop meeting vintage sounds. You’ll hear inspiration from Lake Street Dive, Cory Wong, and Lawrence throughout. The ripping horns, funky beats, and Tema’s soul-rending vocals all reflect the connections they’ve made.

I won’t spoil everything, but here are thoughts on some standout tracks.

The lead single “What Were You Thinking” is a song Tema wrote about a complicated relationship with a singer she admired when she was younger. It’s a letter calling out his awful behavior, asking how he could treat someone that way. It’s empowering, with a message about never letting yourself get taken for granted.

The opening track “On The Wire” has Tema reflecting on how unfair she can be when people do things she dislikes. In her words: “I reflect on how unfair I can be toward the people I love when they do something I dislike, like when my mom offers unsolicited advice or when my bandmates and I clash on creative decisions. Instead of exploding, I tend to grow impatient, take things personally, and prickle, leaving those closest to me feeling like they’re on thin ice. Only afterward do I realize how unfair I’ve been, and I regret hurting the people who care for me most. Though the lyrics describe being upset with others, the real frustration is with myself. The chorus is me calling myself out for being dramatic and intense.”

“One Night” and “Slow Burn” tackle opposite themes. One covers a short, intense romance that burns bright before fizzling out. The other explores first love in high school, electric and powerful, building between curfews and classes.

“Middle Man” goes outside their usual sound with heavy EDM influence. It makes you want to groove as Tema sings about supporting someone who’s complaining about a terrible guy. But there are feelings for the person doing the complaining. Maybe they should cut the loser out. This track works as a pop anthem. Each pre-chorus builds to a big drop, before letting Tema stretch her vocal range. The keyboards scream. This could play at any nightclub in the country. The driving beat builds to a big drop for the chorus, with Tema’s vocals soaring above horns and electric keys.

“Lucky to Be Stuck with You” stands out as a quieter moment about slowing down and enjoying where you are. About how it feels too good to be true to be with someone you click with so easily.

This album sounds like a fourth record, not a debut. It’s poignant, relatable, and refreshing. Give it a listen when it drops on October 24th. The album delivers catchy hooks and danceable rhythms. It shows the chops of a band that’s been playing together forever. Couch formed on a couch and never backed down from a challenge. They’ve been a long-distance band with members in different parts of the world. They buckled down and got intimate for this record. They’re fearless, and this album proves it.

Couch is Tema Siegel (lead vocals), Zach Blankstein (guitar), Jared Gozinsky (drums), Will Griffin (bass), Danny Silverston (keys), Jeffrey Pinsker-Smith (trumpet), and Eric Tarlin (saxophone).

They’re embarking on a 40-city international tour starting November 6th to support Big Talk. It’s time to get off your couch and discover something new.

Photo by Billy Landers / Prophet Media c/o Big Hassle

TheWaster.com | Listen Up
10.24.25