Behind Burnout: Good Terms on Upcoming Record, Current Tour and Exploring Their Evolution
Shot by Victor Duran (@victord_photo) on 10.26.24 at Wicked West, San Diego
“We didn’t go in with some branded, ‘this is our thing.’ We’re just, like, if we fuck with this and we think it’s dope, that’s Good Terms. It’s the four of us—trusting each other’s taste, fighting all the time, making music that we like—that creates this singular sound,” guitarist and vocalist Zach Boucher shares, emphasizing how the upcoming record captures the true essence of Good Terms.
As Good Terms takes the stage with the influential Hawthorne Heights alongside newcomers, New Aesthetic opening the Calif. dates, the band is eager to share their latest work and connect with fans on a deeper level, playing new and unheard tracks off their latest release: Burnout.
Emerging from the diverse music scene in the broader Los Angeles area, Good Terms is a four-piece emo-pop band known for their fresh sound and cathartic energy, blending heavier alternative noise with modern-day emo lyrical content and a lively pop feel.
With their sound drawing inspiration from emo, punk and pop influences, Good Terms has carved out a distinct identity and sonic sound within the music scene, marked by both introspective themes and a commitment to authenticity, growth and allowance to be ever-evolving both musically and personally.
The band’s sophomore album, Burnout, is set to be released on December 13, 2024, via Secret Friends Music Group. This highly anticipated record showcases their growth as musicians and songwriters, offering a deeper exploration of the common complexities of identity, mental health and the pressures of contemporary life. It listens as a dynamic journey through the release of raw emotions and introspective narratives, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences while forming a powerful connection to the band’s message and perspective.
Fans and critics alike are eager to hear how Good Terms captures the essence of their experiences, with early singles hinting at a bold evolution that blends their signature emo-pop sound with heavier, more intricate arrangements. Preparing for the release, the excitement surrounding Burnout seemingly underscores the band’s ability to apply infectious melodies to poignant lyrics, solidifying their place as a band to watch in the modern alternative music scene.
Still riding the post-show adrenaline, I had the pleasure of catching up with Good Terms after their set at Wicked West in San Diego. The band had just wrapped an energetic performance, playing several tracks from Burnout for an engaged crowd that seemed to connect with every word.
On their live performance, guitarist and vocalist Ivan Barry shared, “We feel like every show is an opportunity to connect with the crowd. The energy tonight was amazing, and we loved playing the new songs. It really feels like the audience is embracing the direction we’re heading with Burnout.”
The energy in the room echoed Ivan’s thoughts, highlighting the synergy between Good Terms and their audience. Geo Botelho, bass and vocals, added, “We love that we can share these new tracks with everyone. It’s like a sneak peek into where we’re going as a band and the crowd's reaction is everything.”
Playing to packed houses filled with fans of first-wave emo idols like Hawthorne Heights, Good Terms is aware of the significance—and challenge—of performing for audiences unfamiliar with their music. Reflecting on this experience, Boucher shared, 'We definitely have some of our fans there, but it’s interesting playing to an audience that is totally cold to us. Almost every single person I sell merch to has said, "I’ve never heard of you guys, but oh my gosh, I loved your set!
He elaborated on their approach to their performances, stating, “With the type of set that we do, our music is our art and we care about that. I feel like when we perform, we turn our songs into a whole different experience. Even if someone isn’t into our songs, they can still feel the energy of the show. We just try to go as hard as possible, and by the end of the show, everyone is sweating and happy. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
This same sense of energy and connection threads through the creation of Burnout, where Good Terms poured their experiences into shaping the album’s concept and themes. Guitarist Zach Boucher explained how Burnout evolved from a series of single releases, saying, “When we were starting to make new songs, we knew we’d want to wrap them up as an album, right? But we just got to make songs and put out songs.” This approach helped shape the diverse, exploratory sound that ultimately defines Burnout. Boucher highlighted, “The first three songs we put out were ‘Drive-In,’ ‘Old Friend’ and ‘Cough,’ and we all write everything together,” he added, emphasizing the collaborative songwriting and recording processes.
As Burnout evolved, the band found that their lyrics began to reflect deeper themes of identity and connection. Boucher shared that the album captures “thoughts about how you fit into your world contrasting how you fit into other people’s worlds.” Setting the scene for this album to have been written nearly five years ago, during the pandemic, battling the dualities between personal conflict amid external chaos, many tracks off the record deal with concepts of insularity and self-perception. Good Terms is gaining traction in the music scene, with their songs receiving considerable praise not only from new listeners being impressed by the band’s powerful stage presence, but also leaving a live performance inspired by the hopeful perspective and sense of connection that their music conveys. Their sound is relatable, catchy and prompts listeners to connect with the complexities of shared experiences.
As Good Terms manages their own mixing and production, Botelho explained their approach to these processes in saying, “I tried to make a lot of it feel like you’re with Brian—you feel like you’re in the same room, but a little bit distant.” This emphasis on creating an immersive sonic landscape mirrors the introspective journey of understanding one’s identity, as Botelho continued, “It’s about trying to figure out who you are within the space of how people perceive you and how you perceive yourself.” With their intentional mixing approach, Good Terms allows listeners to understand the emotional depth present throughout the album, on all levels contributing to the intricate artistry of the record.
Listening to Cough, the lyrics capture the essence of grappling with one's past and the challenge of moving forward: “Back to the life I forgot? Relive the time that I lost? Try again from the top?” This imagery reflects a struggle with rediscovery and the uncertainty of starting anew. The mixing enhances this theme, layering subtle and distant echoes that create a feeling of tension—like revisiting old memories that feel close yet just out of reach.
This sense of isolation and the desire for connection also reflect the band's broader artistic journey, as they explore how diverse musical influences have shaped their identity specifically on the upcoming release. Boucher noted that the band actively sought to venture beyond their established “sad boy pop-punk” roots. He remarked, “We definitely tried some stupid shit,” testament to their willingness to experiment with new sounds and styles.
Listening to singles, “Mask” and “High Right Now,” fans and longtime listeners can acknowledge the growth and experimentation in their sound. Barry shared, “Mask is a song that’s awkwardly our typical vibe. And like ‘High Right Now’ now is a song that’s awkwardly not our typical vibe.” This duality showcases the band’s ability to navigate contrasting styles while still remaining true to their artistic identity. “Mask” deals with themes of self-perception and societal expectations, layering intricate melodies underscoring the internal struggle to be authentic in a world that often demands conformity.
Meanwhile, “Mirror Mirror” boldly breaks away from their established sound, featuring two and a half minutes of pure (and cohesive) chaos and a featured, sweet jazz solo. The playful instrumentation and surprising shifts in tempo reflect the band's newfound freedom to explore without restrictions. As they forge ahead with Burnout, the band continues to push their sonic boundaries, embracing a diverse range of influences that contribute to their new-founded eclectic vision.
As Burnout approaches its release, the band hopes audiences will resonate with the album’s overarching message: that navigating life’s chaos is a shared experience, one that fosters a sense of community through vulnerability. Boucher articulated this desire, stating, “We want people to feel like they’re not alone in what they’re going through.” In an era where isolation can feel prevalent, Good Terms aims to provide a soundtrack that speaks to the complexities of life while encouraging listeners to embrace their individual paths.
Reflecting his intentions for the upcoming record, “I hope that someone hears something they thought was just their own experience or thought, and that it reaches them in a way that creates a sense of kinship or makes them feel seen by the record. Just having one of those moments, from one person, would be very meaningful to me.”
Be sure to check out Good Terms on all streaming platforms, and pre-save their upcoming record here.