Happy New Year LT1KF readers! Hopefully we haven’t failed at our New Year’s resolutions quite yet. Hmm? Just me? Okay then. Moving on. Indeed, it was only a matter of days ago that were we snug in our beds, as visions of sugar plum fairies slam-danced in our heads, and Rochester, New York’s Into The Light was delivering goodwill towards man in the form of a self-titled EP.
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The band’s much anticipated, long-form debut was officially released via support of Luchador Records and Classic Core Records on December 22nd. It is a rockin’ album that also features remasters of two previously released singles titled “Manuscript” and “Bridge.” Recorded at More Sound Recording Studio in Syracuse with producer Steve Sopchak (Motionless in White, Ice Nine Kills); “Into the Light” is a brilliant blend of Grunge, Shoegaze, and Alternative music.
While the album has two previously released singles, the band is officially putting forth the song “Camera Shy” as a post-release single. Makes a great deal of sense actually, the track is certainly a standout track amongst the catalog. Obviously similar in signature sound, the track does feature somewhat of a different vibe than the other songs featured on the album.
While the other songs seem edgier and grungy (with a sound that makes me think of bands like Quicksand and Failure), “Camera Shy” feels more like late 90’s Foo Fighters blended with Catherine Wheel. And Stone Temple Pilots, they came to mind too at first listen for me. The lyrics are compelling and make you think of how it would feel to be alive and be camera shy in this day and age where everyone has a camera at the ready. It’s an upbeat catchy tune that has somber undertones, layered with great melodic vocals, and is truly a really well-rounded musical composition.
The band officially formed sometime in 2022, and each member has an extensive musical experience. Adam, the singer reflects:
“For me, the coolest thing about the record is that I finally got to make a record with my brother again after about 24 years. We kind of went our own musical directions in high school… Back then, as teenagers, I got really into hardcore punk, and Mike was more into well produced records. I do however remember begging Mike to drum for my hardcore band I had in high school because he was already an awesome drummer even back then.”
While “Camera Shy” stands out as the official post-release single, the entire record is worthwhile. I hear a lot of influence from some of my favorite Alternative Rock artists of all time, as aforementioned. In the indie world of things, their music is a good fit with artists we’ve covered before like Shockpowder as well. The production is slick and the band hits the mark on a vibe that can be both chill yet somehow energetic at the same time. Great dynamics. Solid record front to back. Mike, the drummer, elaborates on the band’s sound:
“This is a rock record with an array of influences from shoegaze and dream pop to post-hardcore, mid-90’s alternative and more. If those sub-genres sound esoteric, they kind of are, so don’t worry about genres, because neither do we. We recommend listening with headphones if you’re into hearing the layers and textures of records, or do whatever you want and be free!”
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Looking forward to keeping up with the band this year, they also announced recently that a full-length album on the way in 2024!
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