Stress Relief

Stress Relief explores the complex and often contradictory emotions tied to toxic relationships and "situationships." While the title suggests a release of tension, the lyrics describe a scenario where the narrator is trapped in a cycle of longing and pain. Lead singer Andre Portillo has explained that the song reflects on relationships that are difficult to remove oneself from, where the memory of a person comes back to "haunt" you long after they are gone.

The central theme is the paradox of attachment. The narrator is "running in quicksand," a metaphor for expending immense energy to maintain a connection that is ultimately sinking them. The line "It's stress relief from everything" can be interpreted in two ways: either the partner was the escape from the world's problems, or the act of screaming these pleas is the only release left. The bridge, sung in Spanish, adds a layer of vulnerability, asking "¿Por qué me tratas así?" (Why do you treat me like this?), highlighting the disparity between the narrator's devotion and the partner's indifference.

Ultimately, the song is about the difficulty of letting go. Even though the relationship causes stress, the narrator begs the partner to "come back to haunt me," preferring the pain of their ghostly presence over the emptiness of their absence.

The narrative begins with a confession of insecurity and the inevitability of an end, as the narrator admits they never expected the partner to stay for the long haul. There is a vivid sense of futile effort, described as running through quicksand, trying desperately to keep the partner close despite the sinking feeling of the relationship. The narrator speaks of hiding the partner within their own mind, clinging to memories even as the reality fades.

As the story progresses, the narrator expresses a conflicted desire. They acknowledge shots not taken and thoughts left unspoken, revealing a history of communication failures. There is a plea to a "ghost"—the lingering memory of the partner—asking it not to feel bad but also simultaneously wishing for it to return and "haunt" them. This contradiction highlights the struggle between moving on and the comfort of familiar pain.

The chorus erupts into a direct demand for validation, asking to be told they are loved and to be haunted by the presence of the other. It frames this chaotic cycle as a form of "stress relief," suggesting that the intensity of these emotions, or perhaps the act of finally confronting them, provides a release from the numbness. In a shift to Spanish, the narrator offers to show the partner "everything there is" if they would just come along, before questioning why they are treated as if they are "nobody." The song concludes with the repetitive, desperate request to be allowed to be oneself, while still trapped in the loop of asking the lover to come back.

Stress Relief was released on September 17, 2021, as part of the EP Am I sinking or Am I swimming?. The song's origin is surprisingly casual and rooted in internet culture. According to guitarist Juan "Ockz" Vargas, the track began as an instrumental demo he created while trying to relax, which he literally named "Stress Relief" on his computer because the process of making it was his way of decompressing.

Musically, the song was initially inspired by a cover of Doja Cat's "Kiss Me More." The band realized that the chords they were using for the cover sounded distinctly "indie" and decided to evolve it into an original track. Lead singer Andre Portillo wrote the lyrics to fit the existing title, crafting a narrative about toxic love to match the urgent, driving instrumental. The song exploded in popularity on TikTok, propelling the El Paso-based band from a local garage project to a nationally recognized indie act signed to Epitaph Records.

The song utilizes a driving 4/4 meter with a high tempo that propels the track forward, mimicking the anxiety and "running" mentioned in the lyrics. The rhyme scheme is generally AABB or ABAB in the verses, but often relies on slant rhymes (e.g., "haunt me" / "love me") to maintain a conversational and desperate flow.

Rhythmically, the interplay between the staccato guitar riffs and the steady, punching drum beat creates a sense of urgency. The vocal delivery is rapid-fire in the verses, mirroring the racing thoughts of a stressed mind, before opening up into longer, sustained notes in the chorus ("Teeell me you loooove me"), which provides a melodic release that parallels the concept of "stress relief."

late night drive home employs a blend of modern bedroom pop sensibilities with the raw energy of 2000s post-punk revival. Key techniques include:

• Bilingual Lyrics: The transition from English to Spanish in the bridge ("Si puedes venir conmigo...") creates an intimate shift in tone, grounding the song in the band's Hispanic heritage and adding a layer of personal authenticity.
• Lo-Fi/Garage Aesthetic: The production retains a gritty, slightly unpolished quality characteristic of the "bedroom pop" genre, which enhances the raw, emotional delivery of the vocals.
• Driving Rhythm: The song features a fast-paced, angular drum beat and melodic, reverb-heavy guitars (reminiscent of The Strokes or Her's), which contrast with the sad lyrics to create a "crying on the dancefloor" vibe.
• Vocal Distortion: Portillo's vocals often have a slight filter or distortion, making them sound like they are coming through a telephone or an old radio, emphasizing the theme of distance and communication breakdown.

"Stress Relief" is the breakout hit for late night drive home, largely responsible for launching their career. The song went viral on TikTok, resonating deeply with Gen Z listeners who connected with its lo-fi aesthetic and themes of modern relationship angst. Its success led to the band accumulating millions of streams on Spotify and eventually signing with the legendary punk label Epitaph Records.

The track is often cited as a prime example of the post-2020 indie rock revival, blending the sounds of bands like The Strokes and Wallows with a distinctively Gen Z, DIY ethos. It has cemented the band's status as key figures in the "El Paso Sound," bringing attention to the burgeoning alternative music scene in their hometown.

The lyrics utilize visceral imagery to convey emotional entrapment:

• Quicksand: The phrase "Running in quicksand" symbolizes the futility of the narrator's efforts. The harder they fight to keep the relationship alive, the faster they sink and get stuck.
• Ghosts and Haunting: The narrator repeatedly asks the partner to "come back to haunt me." This metaphor transforms the ex-partner into a specter—something that is not physically present but psychologically inescapable. It suggests that the memory of the love is more powerful than the reality of the breakup.
• The White Room (Music Video): In the music video, the band performs in a sterile white room. The band has stated this represents being trapped in the experience with no clear exit, reinforcing the lyrical theme of being unable to escape the relationship.
• Old TV: The vintage television in the video serves as a vessel for memories, playing back moments that the narrator is stuck analyzing, representing the constant replay of "what ifs" in one's mind.

The most significant recurring phrase is the plea: "Tell me you love me / Come back to haunt me." This hook serves as the emotional anchor of the song. The juxtaposition of "love" and "haunt" encapsulates the song's core conflict—the desire for affection intertwined with the pain of the past.

Another motif is the phrase "Won't you let me be myself?" This line appears towards the end, suggesting that the relationship has stripped the narrator of their identity. The repetition of these lines transforms them from simple requests into desperate incantations, as if saying them enough times might change the outcome.