Pittsburgh’s Aggressica considers their second album, “That’s How They Get You,” as an evolution from their debut album.
This album features “tracks that pack a heavier punch and a more emotional maturity, with themes of heartbreak, empowerment and resistance, with a couple of lighter songs sprinkled in for fun,” vocalist Sam Yetter said.
Among those tracks is recent single, “Choices.”
“‘Choices’ is meant to be a thought-provoking piece that examines the hypocrisy that exists in having opposing beliefs about human rights,” Yetter said, “and serves as an anthem for all of us who want a choice in our bodily autonomy.”
The band’s been busy playing shows this spring, with even more on the way, including a spot at the Millvale Music Festival.
“Performing live is a chance to pour our souls into every note we play and share our passion with all of you. We love the moments when we’re really connected with the crowd and get that energy back,” Yetter said. “Pittsburgh has some great venues, each offering its own unique experience. 222 Ormsby, Mr. Roboto, Preserving and Government Center capture the spirit and raw energy of the DIY scene.
“Jergel’s and Crafthouse have excellent sound and lighting. Shoutout to Poetry Lounge for their welcoming vibe and killer sound. We would love to do a show at Thunderbird & Mr. Smalls in the near future.”
Beyond shows, there could be even more new music on the way.
“We have been writing a lot of new songs that we are super excited about and will be hitting the studio again this summer,” Yetter said. “We feel like this next album is honing in on our sound more than ever and will be the most ‘Aggressica’ one yet. We’re also gearing up for expanding our show offerings outside of Pittsburgh this fall.”
And if you’re at one of those shows, keep your head out for flying fowl.
“We’ve become known for tossing these punk-looking rubber ducks with our logo, i.e. ‘Aggressi-ducks’ into the crowd, and it’s so fun hearing people cracking up and squeaking them between songs,” Yetter said. “At one show, people got really into it and were tossing their ducks into the middle of the dance floor like they were having their own little mosh pit.”
Yetter filled in TribLive on what else we should know about Aggressica.
Band: Aggressica
Band members: Sam Yetter (lead vocals); George Samarin (drums); Waylon Kreger (lead guitar); Marcello Fandrei (bass)
Founding story: Aggressica was founded during the height of the pandemic by myself and a chance introduction with some budding musicians in the local music scene.
Origin of band’s name: The name started as a moment of wordplay brilliance that symbolizes the unapologetically defiant ideology of the band. Fueled by the desire to create music that both connects with people and at times ruffles some feathers, we are making waves with their energetic, genre-bending music.
For fans of: Paramore, Linkin Park, Breaking Benjamin, Evanescence
Influences: Paramore, My Chemical Romance, Rage Against the Machine, Avenged Sevenfold
Releases: “Control” album, 2025; “That’s How They Get You” album, 2026
Next shows: May 5 at Government Center; Alt-Grunge Fest, May 9 at at Green Beacon Gallery; Millvale Music Festival, May 16 at VFW Post 118 in Millvale; June 13 at 222 Ormsby
How to find them: Aggressica can be found on their website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.
Three other Pittsburgh area bands to check out: There are so many truly talented bands in the explosive Pittsburgh indie scene, but, if forced to name only three, we would go with: Lylyth, Fall Damage and Shel the Philosopher.
Favorite pizza shop: Bellisario’s, Fiori’s and Conti’s (all in the South Hills)
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