Stop, Rock & Roll

Welcome to Autumn – and – welcome to another edition of Stop, Rock n Roll! Here are five local releases to carry some summer into your fall:

GEORGE RICHTER – “INFINITE TEXAS” George Richter, a Rhode Island musician and member of bands Smug Honey and Liminal Space, recently released a new solo EP, Tributary. The leadoff track, “Infinite Texas,” is spacious and gloomy, invoking Bon Iver and Rhode Island legend Will Orchard. Melancholy vocal harmonies blend with swirling guitars and a muted, yet effective, rhythm section to paint a picture of spacious landscapes and dark skies.

TOLD NOT TO WORRY – “TOLD NOT TO WORRY” Told Not to Worry takes the recent emo sounds that have been sweeping Rhode Island and adds multiple layers of nuance to them. For starters, the drums and guitar that open the song immediately call to mind classic emo bands such as Cap’n Jazz; the resemblance is uncanny. The mix of singing and screaming is also interesting, as it is provided by two vocalists. When the chorus comes crashing in after a minute and a half, it feels cathartic and menacing.

LUV, MASON – “FEELING FOR YOU” Local alt-rock band Luv, Mason returns with a rousing barnburner. Blissfully crunchy guitars meet a rock-solid rhythm section and vocals that wouldn’t sound out of place in a 2000s college comedy movie. The use of vocal harmonies throughout the song adds even more enjoyment to the track, elevating it above many of its contemporaries. The a cappella portion of the bridge is worth the price of admission alone.

KYODIE – “VEGETA” This track of Kyodie’s recent debut album starts with a snarling guitar. It is soon joined by similarly ominous bass and drums. However, the song also has a melodic side, shown in the volume shift and vocal harmonies in the pre-chorus. A sweeping guitar solo also makes the track stand out, providing a deft psychedelic touch to offset its biting production. Rhythm section fans will also be happy to hear that the bass and drums get moments to stand out.

FOXXDYE – “DANCING ALONE” Foxxdye continues their blissful embrace of pop and dance music on their latest single. Chiming guitars mesh with Tame Impala-esque vocals, pulsing synths, a slinking bass line, and hi-hat work that can baffle even the most jaded listener. All these elements combine in a euphoric chorus that goes beyond atmospheric and soars to new heights. The funkiness of the guitars and bass work perfectly with the space created by the synths and vocals to create a highly enjoyable listen. •