Kiss The Scientist share "Idyllwild, CA" and open a new chapter after debut EP

Los Angeles emo-leaning rock band Kiss The Scientist have released "Idyllwild, CA," the song that kicks off the group's new era following Better In My Head, the EP they put out earlier this year. It is the first step toward their still-unannounced debut full-length.

The single arrives with familiar names behind the board. Drums were recorded by Kyle Black, known for his work with Paramore and New Found Glory, while Vince Ratti, whose credits include Tigers Jaw and Title Fight, handled the mix. The combination underlines the comparisons the band has already drawn to Hot Mulligan, Taking Back Sunday and The Menzingers.

Lyrically, the track deals with the end of a close friendship. Singer and guitarist Max Tomack-Villalobos said the song runs through the emotions that hit immediately after a falling out, from regret over what was said to the reluctance to ever open up again once personal details get weaponized. He described it as being about "a friendship breakup if you will."

The writing leans on specifics: narrative verses, a childhood memory used as a timestamp, and a pre-chorus that funnels into a chorus built on refusal and resentment. It is the same approach the band used on their EP, sharpened here into a tighter, more direct statement.

With the single out, attention now turns to the debut LP, which has yet to receive a release date.