Stop, Rock and Roll

Say hello to a new edition of Stop, Rock n Roll! Here are five fire tunes to match the late summer weather:

THE BITTER JOY – “WALLOWS” Joyously crunchy guitars kick off the newest single from The Bitter Joy. The verses strut while the choruses burst open like a sunbeam through the clouds. No matter the section, the song boasts some serious muscle, even when the guitars cut out at the beginning of the second verse. A searing guitar solo is the cherry on top of this fresh modern rock cut.

JULIEN DECULUS – “PAGES” The vocals and instruments might as well be superglued together on this song based on how tight they are. A crisp yet spacious chorus recalls the sound of the late ’70s/early ’80s while staying new. During the bridge, the rhythmic chant “keep flipping the pages” flows effortlessly into the last chorus, showcasing the songwriting and composing chops on display.

MASON WASSERMAN – “SOUNDS” Providence College student Mason Wasserman recently released his debut EP, a three-song collection of soft, guitar-driven instrumentals. The third track, “sounds,” is the standout, with gentle acoustic guitars providing a foundation for atmospheric electric guitar riffing. The song’s dusky textures fully envelop the listener in the campfire vibes of the song and display Wasserman’s ability to conjure emotions with his guitar work.

GRIZZLIES. – “PARIS” Jazz pop mainstays grizzlies. have emerged from hibernation with their debut album, love in short paragraphs. Opener “paris” sets the pace, with guitar stabs and thick keyboard chords dancing over a 5/8 beat. The choruses then straighten out, with the vocals striding over a mosaic of textures. The bridge ventures into an almost chillwaveesque atmosphere, highlighting the band’s willingness to experiment even within the confines of a single track.

CHANCE EMERSON – “HONEY” The song starts with a bang, with stomping drums and buzzing acoustic guitar, before Chance Emerson’s sensitive vocals take center stage. As the chorus builds in intensity, there is a very interesting use of vocal harmonies to add layers, which is a practice that is fairly uncommon. The song walks a fine line between sounding earthy and rustic and featuring some beautiful production. The final chorus of the song showcases the emotional highs Emerson’s voice can reach while also boasting some fierce guitars. •