Stop, Rock & Rock

Welcome to another edition of Stop, Rock n Roll! While Fall’s chill might be setting in, local music is staying hot. Here are five local releases to spice up your Autumn.

THE MORNING IMAGE “THE THINGS WITHOUT NAMES”

Within the first few seconds of The Morning Image’s second single, the listener is greeted by an instrumental that is both melancholy and uplifting. The song continues on this voyage, contrasting aching vocals with a steady beat and chiming guitars. Throughout the song, it remains understated yet bursts with emotion: a rare combination.

ROWING CLUB “KENTUCKY FRIED DERBY”

One listen to the riff on the leadoff track on Rowing Club’s debut EP transports the listener into an alternate cut of Dazed and Confused. The guitar sounds like something out of the ‘70s rock heyday, though the rest of the track combines the choicest cuts from surf punk and garage rock. A lofi sheen over the entire track makes this one a fun listen.

PINKLIDS “JUNKY GARDEN”

Pinklids have been building hype for years, and now their debut single is finally here. A spooky, DEVO-esque single that explodes with confidence and power, the song proves that this band was one worth following from the start. The bridge in particular stands out: a cackling organ line floats over ferocious drums and a wall of fuzzy noise. One final run through of the kaleidoscopic chorus brings the track to a crashing end.

NATHAN THAO “PHANTASMAL WALL”

Nathan Thao is a connoisseur of lofi rock music, with the hiss of a tape deck immediately leaping out of the track and wrapping the listener in its analog embrace. Soon after, waves of guitars crash against jagged drums and thundering bass. Fuzzy vocals and additional guitars that sound as if they’re ringing out from the bottom of a well quickly bring to mind the best facets of shoegaze.

APPALA’S ECLIPSE “PIPE DREAMS”

Recently, rockers Appala’s Eclipse came out with their most exciting single to date. “Pipe Dreams” features swaggering instrumentation, bluesy vocals, and an overall joyous combination of danceable funk and dusky blues rock. The four-piece wears their classic rock influences proudly on their sleeves while also delving into new territory, leaving listeners excited for what’s to come from the group. •