Podcast Summary: Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Playdio DAY TWO (Bands 33–36)

Podcast: Holmberg’s Morning Sickness
Host: John Holmberg, with Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo
Episode Title: 11-25-25 – Playdio DAY TWO – Bands 33-36 – THE MESS I MADE – BIZMYTH – THE FOOSIES – INVISIBLE YOU
Date: November 25, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, the HMS crew continues their annual Playdio contest—where local Arizona bands get their shot at airplay and critique on 98KUPD. The hosts listen, react in real-time, banter, and give scores to four more submissions: The Mess I Made, Bismuth, The Foosies, and Invisible You. Expect honest, unfiltered feedback and lots of running jokes (notably about “Rob Menino”).

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recap and Ongoing Gags

• The hosts’ energy is high, helped by recurring inside jokes—especially riffing on “Rob Menino” and challenging listeners to reference his name at home for comedic effect.
• Playful teasing about the quirks of band names, bios, and the overall (sometimes grueling) Playdio process.

2. Band Reviews

The Mess I Made (“Bleed Out”)

[09:56-13:15]

• Band Background: New post-hardcore/alt-rock band from Phoenix, formed by ex-members of Bury the Darkness.
• Main Feedback:
  • The hosts are impressed by the song’s modern sound and polished production.
  • Favorable comparisons to bands like Nothing More, Bring Me the Horizon, and Story of the Year.
  • Appreciation for melodic vocals and emotional depth, with only minor reservations about the occasional screamo elements.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “That was very marketable music for that genre. That's good. That sounded like Nothing More.” – John Holmberg (13:01)
  • “Made me want a headbang… This band is good at what they do. It’s not my cup of tea but at least they’re not Poo Robino.” – John Holmberg (13:38)
• Scores:
  • John, Brady, Brett: 8/10

Bismuth (“Wasted”)

[16:40-21:12]

• Band Background: New hard rock band showcasing a fusion of rock styles; song about “wasted talent.”
• Main Feedback:
  • Immediate negative tone—hosts are distracted, laughing at the vocal delivery (“Danzig the Frog,” “Patrick Mahomes singing Danzig”).
  • Song and production quality are heavily criticized: “muddy” mix, bass too prominent, vocals “drowning.”
  • Advice to the band: The singer might do better in country music given his natural twang.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “That song sounded like a bad Danzig cover.” – John Holmberg (19:57)
  • “The singer sounds like he's drowning in the rest of the music. This would sound bad if it was live, let alone produced.” – John Holmberg (20:34)
  • “Maybe they should have gone with their first EP, Tamu Danzig.” – Host banter (21:02)
  • On production: “When you send me a file that's compressed, it looks like a block of green. It's going to do it again. Double it.” – John Holmberg (22:15)
• Scores:
  • John: 3/10, Brady: 4/10

The Foosies (“Reel Crew”)

[22:27-25:15]

• Band Background: Instrumental group, possibly just one main creative member.
• Main Feedback:
  • The hosts are dismissive due to the song being entirely instrumental and over-compressed.
  • The music is likened to generic background for B-movies, car washes, or boat scenes—not suitable for radio.
  • Good musicianship noted, but they feel there’s no market for instrumental rock without vocals.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “Felt like I was cruising on a lake on a bass boat. Exactly.” – John Holmberg (24:03)
  • “Come on, you guys are good players. Why aren’t you? We don’t like singers. Singers ruin it. All right, well then enjoy not making a penny.” – John Holmberg (24:30)
  • “If you need a singer, there’s a guy named Rob Menino… he could put words to that.” – John Holmberg (25:05)
• Scores:
  • John: 2/10, Brady: 4/10, Bret: 3/10

Invisible You (“Gutter”)

[25:20-29:45]

• Band Background: Metalcore trio from Scottsdale, blending cinematic atmosphere with emotional intensity; debut single.
• Main Feedback:
  • The hosts acknowledge solid production, skilled musicianship, and a good vocalist.
  • The song itself, however, is criticized for lacking a hook and not going anywhere—“just there,” not “grabbing” the listener.
  • Reluctance to score too low because of the visible potential; suggestion to work with a songwriter.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “They're very good now. I'd like to hear them sing a good song.” – John Holmberg (27:12)
  • “The singer was good. The production was good… The song's not a hit.” – John Holmberg (27:22)
  • “Change your name to mute you, because that’s what I did.” – Listener Kyle, read by John Holmberg (27:50)
  • “If you need help sleeping, though, that's a good one.” – Thriller (guest) (28:08)
• Scores:
  • John: 4/10, Brady: 5/10, Bret: 4/10

3. Host Chemistry, Banter & Notable Running Jokes

“Rob Menino” Gag

• The “Rob Menino” bit—mock “singing” the name, shoehorning it into conversations—adds levity throughout, getting listeners involved.
  • “Make someone else say Rob Menino's name who doesn't know what we're talking about. What are you saying, Robin? You know why you do that? Stop doing that. Why? Romanino.” – John Holmberg (06:15)

Honest and Relatable Critique

• The panel doesn’t hold back, alternating between helpful feedback (“work with a songwriter,” “fix your compression”) and blunt, comedic put-downs.
• Technical advice for up-and-coming bands on production, submission quality, radio mixing, and genre expectations.

4. Wrap-up and Reflections

[29:50–End]

• After 36 bands, the hosts show signs of fatigue but remark favorably on this year’s Playdio quality.
• Tease the last three bands upcoming and the idea to play all top five songs at the end, breaking from their usual “clip” tradition.

Key Timestamps

• Mess I Made (“Bleed Out”) Review: 09:56–13:15
• Bismuth (“Wasted”) Review: 16:40–21:12
• The Foosies (“Reel Crew”) Review: 22:27–25:15
• Invisible You (“Gutter”) Review: 25:20–29:45
• Rob Menino Running Joke Peak: 06:15–08:05
• Technical Advice on Mixing/Compression: 21:54–22:30

Conclusion

This episode of Playdio spotlights emerging Arizona talent—with the signature HMS blend of humor, candor, and constructive (sometimes brutal) honesty. Listeners new to these bands will get quick, real-world feedback on what works, what doesn't, and why constructive criticism (with a few laughs) helps the local music scene thrive.

If you like dry wit, radio banter, and a no-BS approach to unsigned rock, this episode delivers.