And if my words float up to the surface

The new single from CHVRCHES, summer's best beer and more

It’s time for the Tuesday edition of The Style Guide In Brief, my music-menswear-craft beer newsletter covering bands ranging from The Replacements to CHVRCHES — like today! — and much more (here’s a guide to what this newsletter is all about). In my last newsletter, I talked about Chicago indie rockers Moontype, a truly great up-and-coming band that’s making some of the most insightful, challenging and yet fun music out there today. Give them a listen! And in the meantime, let’s hop across the pond (metaphorically) to talk about Scottish-born synth pop favorites CHVRCHES (as shown above), who announced a new album last week — due out on August 27th! Last week, they also shared today’s featured track, the immense “How Not to Drown.” Speaking of “featured,” well, the track itself includes significant contributions from a moody rock legend, none other than Robert Smith of The Cure! How about that, ehh?

We’ll get into all below, so put on those headphones, get your credit card at the ready — for the accompanying menswear and craft beer picks — and jumpstart your week with some electric, immense synth pop. Be sure to hit “Subscribe” and tell all your friends!

What To Listen To This Week: “How Not to Drown” by CHVRCHES feat. Robert Smith

CHVRCHES are a band I’ve admired for years, for their courage and honesty, and for Lauren Mayberry’s powerful presence as a frontwoman and advocate for women in music, and generally. This song is deeply personal for all of the band, according to NME, and I wouldn’t expect anything less than that from a band that’s always been a heart-on-the-sleeve type of group. This latest offering is bold, dark and immense, perhaps a sign of things to come for the group’s upcoming album “Screen Violence” — as Lauren says, this song is her way of fighting back, and reflecting on when she thought she might quit the band. It’s heavy at times, but also hopeful, seeing as the trio continues to stick around and put out tremendous music. I can’t wait to see this song played live, so with a return to live shows upcoming, let’s keep it rolling with some gear to get you to the show in style.

What To Shop This Week: Wellen Organic Mineral Wash Tee

I’m all about outfitting yourself accordingly for any number of pursuits, especially ones involving the heat of summer and potentially, a music festival or an outdoor concert. Sometimes, it’s best to keep it simple in the summer heat, as with this sustainable T-shirt from Huckberry. Think of it like a grab-and-go T-shirt, one that’s easy to throw on and wear all day long, including from day-to-night as you plan out (ideally) a trip to see CHVRCHES. Too specific? Perhaps, but it always pays off to plan ahead as far as your menswear essentials are concerned. Stock up accordingly.

What To Sip This Week: Threes Brewing Indelible Czech Dark Lager

File this suggestion away for happy hour later, will ya? If you read my regular style blog — where I publish daily, by the way! — then you’re assuredly familiar with Brooklyn’s Threes Brewing, one of my favorite breweries and makers of some of the best craft beer around. You’re also likely familiar, then, with my discount for online orders: The code BEAU10 will get you 10 percent off your first online order of more than $50. And for my money’s worth, you simply can’t go wrong with any beer from Threes Brewing, much less the Indelible Dark Lager, a unique style that Threes does so well. If you want a change of pace from hoppy IPAs, you can’t go wrong with this one. Cheers to that!

The Final Pick: Rhodes Footwear Blake Boots

Let’s really pair it all up, shall we? What I mean by that is — as I often say — there are certain essentials that just go together. I’m talking, in this case, about the powerful synth pop of CHVRCHES — especially in a festival setting, for instance — plus the fine complement of a sustainable T-shirt from Huckberry and the refreshing taste of a crisp lager. And the finishing touch? Why, a pair of the best boots for men from Huckberry, the sort of pair you can wear for days on end — and yes, you can (and should!) make use of these boots this summer, too. There’s no time to waste when it comes to wardrobe upgrades like these, and I really do love the rugged appeal of the Rhodes Footwear Blake Boots.

While it’s tough to pick out one favorite from my list of recommendations today, I’m perhaps most looking forward to repeat listens of the deeply emotional and introspective single “How Not to Drown” by CHVRCHES — although I certainly can’t pass up the chance to stock up on, say, the Rhodes Footwear Blake Boots either. Like I said, it’s tough to pick out one favorite, especially when one of said options is the flavorful and unique Threes Brewing Indelible Czech Dark Lager. But hey, what that really means is that you can’t go wrong any way you look at it. Feel free to let me know your thoughts in the comments below, and cheers to the week ahead!