New Jersey’s Prop House has arrived with their debut EP, SPRUE, released via Mint 400 Records. The band, made up of members from Yawn Mower, Bristler, The Vansaders, and more, brings a mix of post-punk, hardcore, and noise rock to the table. Across three tracks, they dig into themes of alien abduction, betrayal, and loss in ways that feel both personal and larger-than-life. Vocalist Ian Beatie leads the charge with a raw, urgent delivery, while also handling the band’s visual aesthetic. The record, produced by drummer Rudy Meier, sets a bold foundation for their sound.
Beatie sees songwriting as a craft that requires both inspiration and discipline. “You gotta read,” he says, emphasizing the importance of different perspectives when writing lyrics. For him, standing out isn’t about competition but about finding new angles on familiar ideas. He credits John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats, Bob Nanna of Braid and Hey Mercedes, and Justin Roelofs of The Anniversary as key influences, admiring their storytelling and wordplay.
When asked about creating music that grabs attention, Beatie admits he doesn’t have a clear answer. His background is in trombone, but he leans into genre-blurring as a way to keep things interesting. With Prop House, that means channeling the strengths of his bandmates. He praises bassist Biff Swenson’s drive and the musical evolution that Rudy Meier, Eric James Guy Friedman, and Jay Marinzino bring to each song.
The concept for SPRUE stems from an unexpected source: toy making. The name and cover art reflect that, tying into the EP’s mix of playfulness and tension. Beatie describes the writing process as spontaneous, often shaping lyrics immediately after jamming a new idea. While some elements may stem from older riffs, most of his words come together in the moment.
Prop House has no plans to slow down, with their next EP set for release in May. Beatie jokes about learning the hard way that cigarettes don’t mix well with singing but he's purchased a lot of tea. The band is already looking ahead, refining their sound. With their mix of sharp-edged punk and dynamic storytelling, Prop House brings a fresh, engaging voice to the scene.
