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Former Critics: May Cover Story
- LJ Portnoy
- May 25
- 5 min read
Grit, Growth, and "Can You Feel It?"
By LJ Portnoy, Editor-in-Chief, with contributions by Konstantina Buhalis
For over a decade, Former Critics have been quietly building a reputation as one of Detroit’s most consistent—and criminally underrated—rock acts. What began as a humble acoustic project between high school friends has evolved into a full-fledged band with a sharpened edge, a loyal local following, and a sound that refuses to play it safe. They’re not chasing trends. They’re chasing something heavier, something louder, something real.
With a new album on the horizon, the band is stepping into a new era—one defined by tighter riffs, more focused songwriting, and a live presence that pulses with emotional grit. As they gear up to release what they’re calling their most cohesive and powerful project yet, Former Critics remains grounded in what brought them here in the first place: community, catharsis, and the unshakable Detroit spirit that runs through every track they’ve written. We sat down with the band to talk music, memories, and the road ahead.
A Name, A Vibe, A Decade in the Making
If you’re wondering how Former Critics got their name, don’t overthink it.
“It just popped into my head,” lead singer, Jess Murray laughed. “We considered coming up with a deeper meaning, but honestly? It just flowed.”
The band traces its roots back to the acoustic days of Lunetta, playing tiny shows and experimenting with sound. That soft start didn’t last long. Over time, Former Critics leaned into something louder, heavier, and undeniably theirs. From 2016’s ‘Sleeper’ to 2018’s ‘Heavy Hearted’ and their first LP ‘Ring of Salt,’ the sonic growth is unmistakable.
“We're a different band now,” they said. “More aggressive, more cohesive—this new album especially.”
Detroit Grit, Always
Being a Detroit band isn’t just geography. It’s DNA.
FC: "Our sound has some grit that I feel like just is that Detroit kind of vibe and sound—like you think of bands like MC5 [who really embodied that raw, rebellious Detroit energy], and also, I’d say, one of my favorites. Just growing up and going to shows in Detroit for our whole lives... I don’t know, I feel like there’s some grittiness that we just picked up, and it’s very Detroit about us. Like going to the Magic Stick as a kid—those bands you look up to helped [shape our sound]."
That raw, relentless energy Former Critics talks about doesn’t just live in their recordings—it explodes on stage. Over the years, they’ve shared the spotlight with favorites like Single Mothers (“one of my all-time favorite bands,” Jess shared) and Seaholm. They played the inaugural Sad Summer Fest inside the Crofoot Ballroom, a milestone moment for the band. And like all great tour stories, there’s one that lives rent-free in their memories: getting hopelessly lost in New York City, only to stumble upon friends from another band as a subway door slid open—"like a movie moment," they laughed. “Meant to happen.”
New Era. No Skips.
One of their latest releases, ‘Can You Feel It?’ is, by all accounts, their boldest yet.
“[The new album is] heavier than ‘Ring of Salt’. No skips. Not that we’re biased or anything,” they joked. “We’ve started working a few new tracks into our live set already, and it’s a different energy. Playing fresh stuff just hits harder.”
Favorites so far? ‘Clover’, ‘Black Hole’, ‘Fist Fight’, and ‘Revenge’ top the list. But ask them tomorrow and it might change. That’s the beauty of a project they’re this proud of.
Community > Everything
At the heart of Former Critics is a deep-rooted respect for the Detroit music scene—one that’s carried them since the beginning. They’re not just performers; they’re participants, fans, volunteers, and collaborators. For them, community isn’t a marketing buzzword—it’s a way of life.
“If you want to be part of the scene, you show up,” they said. “Go to other people’s shows. Be present. Say hi. Help carry a cabinet. Run sound. That’s how this works. You can’t expect anyone to support you if you’re not out here supporting them too.”
That mindset is what led them to Pleasant Underground, a local booking collective focused on spotlighting Detroit’s independent talent. The band doesn’t just perform at Pleasant shows—they help organize, set up, tear down, and make the space feel inclusive for everyone who walks in.
“We get there early and stay late. Even if we’re not on the bill, we’re probably working the show anyway,” they laughed. “We’re just trying to make it as easy as possible for other artists to do their thing.” That love for community travels with them, too—sometimes to the surprise of others.
“Midwest friendliness catches people off-guard when we tour out East,” they joked. “We’ll be unloading gear and asking how everyone’s day is going, and people are like, ‘What’s your angle?’ But there isn’t one. We’re just like… nice.”
It’s a balance of scrappiness and sincerity that defines both their band and their scene. “Detroit has always had a strong community,” they said. “We’re proud to be part of it, and we want to see everyone succeed—not just us.”
A Decade of Chemistry
The band’s chemistry isn’t just musical—it’s something deeper, rooted in years of friendship, shared milestones, and the kind of trust that only time can build. Former Critics isn’t just a band; it’s a chosen family that formed in the basements and backyards of adolescence. Long before the first tour van, before the album releases and sold-out sets, there were late-night jam sessions, camping trips, and the kind of spontaneous shows that only happen when you’re sixteen and overflowing with ideas.
“I got dropped off at (lead guitarist) Doug Luenner’s house back in high school,” Mike Pakulski (drums) recalled. “We just started playing. That was it.” From those early acoustic sessions to building out a full band with new members and evolving roles, they’ve weathered every shift together—with humility, humor, and purpose. “We’ve never played in another band without each other,” Mike said. “It’s never been about clout or blowing up. It’s about doing this, together, for as long as we can.”
Next On the Horizon
Former Critics aren’t chasing overnight fame. They’ve built their identity brick by brick—through local shows, relentless touring, lineup changes, and a deep belief in music as connection. For them, success isn’t about a viral hit or a record deal. It’s about staying authentic, creating art that feels honest, and giving listeners something to scream along to when the world feels too heavy to carry alone.
With ‘Can You Feel It?’, they’re not just starting a new chapter—they’re doubling down on everything they’ve spent the last decade building. The riffs hit harder. The lyrics cut deeper. And the chemistry is more magnetic than ever. Every track is infused with Detroit grit, personal growth, and the raw emotion that’s always defined their sound. It’s loud, it’s cathartic, and it’s unmistakably them.
Whether you’re discovering Former Critics for the first time or have been with them since ‘Sleeper’, this next era is one to watch—and one to feel. “Can you feel it?” We can. And we’ll be cranking the volume until the full album drops.
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