The Meat Flowers sit in a very unique bit of musical rarefied air. The Fort Wayne band makes music that kind of floats all over the sonic and genre map: From The Refreshments to The Replacements to The Modern Lovers, but with a touch of grit, grime, and punk rock vigor. The band is made up of enough local music alumni that I guess you could say The Meat Flowers are a supergroup, but I doubt they’d say that. Jared Andrews, Dan Obergfell, John Ptak, and Jon Ross are simply in it to make music you’ll keep coming back to again and again. 

It’s been six years since their self-titled debut. In between other projects, jobs, and a worldwide pandemic, the band has been quietly writing and recording their sophomore LP, which is finally here. Woe Is Meat is the big, loud, and exuberantly upbeat album you’ve been waiting for. 

Over the course of 11 tracks, the band brings you into their sweaty and rocking fold. From the mariachi-touched “Mississippi Bottle Rocket” to the almost ska vibes of “Teeth Dreams” and the alt-country “Tina (Ready To Die),” The Meat Flowers lay out earworm after earworm. Andrews has the kind of raspy voice that can maneuver rock, pop, punk, and more than likely polka if he wanted to. He’s been fronting bands in The Fort for well over a decade, and the songs show it. Add in musical ninjas like Obergfell, Ptak, and Ross, and this band really can do no harm. 

There’s something to admire about a band that has all the musicianship and songwriting ability that The Meat Flowers have but doesn’t take themselves too seriously. Mixing excellent pop hooks, big rock n’ roll moves, and irreverent lyrics and switching out musical styles like Beyoncé does costume changes is a breath of fresh air. 

I know the world is ending and there’s just not much to be hopeful for, but honestly I’d rather hear something like “Fake Fruit,” “Ahmed Johnson,” or “Pill Head” as opposed to harsh reality woven into my daily musical diet, thank you very much.

The wait is over. Woe Is Meat is here, so rejoice in the meatiness.