Pom Pom Squad: The Gritty Heart of Modern Indie Rock

Pom Pom Squad is a Brooklyn-based indie rock band fronted by singer, songwriter, and guitarist Mia Berrin. The project, which began as a solo endeavor, evolved into a full band known for its raw, emotionally charged blend of punk, grunge, and pop sensibilities. Their major label debut album, Death of a Cheerleader, released in 2021, marked their most significant commercial and critical achievement to date.

Early career

Mia Berrin founded Pom Pom Squad around 2015 while studying at New York University, initially as a solo lo-fi recording project. The name and aesthetic drew inspiration from the juxtaposition of classic cheerleader imagery with darker, more complex emotional themes. Early self-released EPs like Hate It Here (2017) established a DIY sound rooted in fuzzy guitars and confessional lyricism, catching the attention of the independent label City Slang.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived with their 2021 studio album, Death of a Cheerleader, released via City Slang. This album represented a significant step forward in production and scope, moving from bedroom recordings to a more polished yet powerful studio sound. While not a mainstream chart fixture, the album garnered widespread praise from major publications like Pitchfork and NPR, solidifying their place in the contemporary indie rock landscape.

Key tracks

Head Cheerleader — This early single became a signature anthem, encapsulating the band's theme of subverting feminine archetypes with punk energy.

Lux — A standout track from their debut album that showcases a dynamic shift from quiet vulnerability to explosive, cathartic rock.

Cake — This song exemplifies their knack for pairing catchy, pop-inflected melodies with lyrics exploring anxiety and self-image.

Be Good — A later single that highlights a maturation in songwriting, featuring sharper production and a driving, anthemic quality.

The momentum from Death of a Cheerleader led to extensive touring and festival appearances throughout 2022 and 2023. Pom Pom Squad has continued to release new music, including the 2023 EP Cherry Blossom, which further refines their blend of grunge intensity and melodic hooks. Their work often explores themes of identity, mental health, and the complexities of young adulthood, resonating deeply with a growing fanbase.

Listeners who enjoy the raw emotion and guitar-driven sound of Pom Pom Squad often find common ground with artists like Soccer Mommy, who similarly crafts diaristic indie rock with a sharp edge. The punk-inflected energy and lyrical directness also align with Mannequin Pussy, another band known for explosive live performances. Fans of the 90s alt-rock revival should explore Bully, which shares a fondness for gritty guitar tones. The thematic depth and dynamic range can also be compared to Japanese Breakfast, though with a consistently darker rock palette.

The music of Pom Pom Squad has earned regular rotation on a variety of alternative and indie rock radio stations featured on this website. Their songs are staples on modern rock FM stations specializing in emerging guitar music, as well as on online radio streams dedicated to independent artists and the DIY scene. The band's distinct sound fits seamlessly into playlists alongside both contemporary noise-pop and classic 90s alternative influences.

You can hear the powerful indie rock of Pom Pom Squad on radio stations available right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their discography, from early lo-fi anthems to their polished major label work, broadcast through our curated selection of alternative music stations.