A name like Whatever Whatever implies a sort of disenchanted attitude, but with their new single “House Boy”, the Boston-based band suggests they’re anything but. AP is delighted to premiere their single, especially because it’s a statement– not only musically but politically, as the quartet plans to donate any proceeds made within the first 24 hours of the it’s release to the ACLU.

Artistically, “House Boy,” which was produced by David Minehan at Converse Rubber Tracks, is a significant release for a band that’s so new to the Boston scene. With only a short, but buzzing, 3-song EP under their belt so far (check it), we know that the group’s still finding their sound. But Liz Duska’s voice is distinct and aggressive when need be. She holds her own, however melancholic. Duska says that the lyrics are inspired by the 1962 play “Who’s Afraid of Virigina Woolf?”, which details the breakdown of a middle-aged couple’s tempestuous marriage. “I loved Martha’s character as many people do,” Duska said, “so I wrote the lyrics mainly from her perspective.”

Any fans of “Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf?” might pick up on that rhetoric, but the song’s not entirely dependent on that one aspect. Over the buoyant slacker/alt rock made by guitarist Sam Matheson, bassist Caleb Matheson and drummer Will Butera, Whatever Whatever’s sound on “House Boy” realizes a couple different influences. There’s some early 90s alt. rock influences in there (think other Boston band, Letters to Cleo), and similarities to contemporary NY act Diet Cig. Overall, the single is solid and strategic– as if they’re telling us to look forward to some upcoming projects.

But don’t take my word for it, listen to “House Boy” for yourself via bandcamp below. And see Whatever Whatever play next Monday, February 13th, at O’Brien’s, alongside Stains of a Sunflower, Chloe Jane, and Melissa Weikart. Tickets here.