A new single release from Akimbo brings out a lush cross between pop rock and pop punk but it's done with an almost cinematic backbone and a rift that sticks with you for hours after the song is ended which comes through just as strong as the full choruses do and that's something that I find unique because I miss musical hooks and songs of all kinds these days because it's so rarely found anymore.
Don't get me wrong, the choruses of "River" hit hard and the whole track has this sort of wondrous Sonic presence to it that combines this almost garage rock-toned guitar sound mixed with slamming drums that bring some of that punk ass back into play along with vocals that have character to them, which is something you end up getting attached to very quickly in the song.
The cool thing about this riff is that it's octavized in a way and for those who don't understand, there's a version of the riff that's played on lower notes and then that same riff performed on higher notes on the guitar, and the two of them coming together make the song sound fatter and more expansive and vaster in a way which I like.
Another thing that builds the vastness of the track is the vocals especially, the backing vocals because they're just used as instruments as they give harmonized melodies that bend and sway through the song's ether.
Elements of the track really have a unique way of complimenting each other but also building an atmosphere that you end up falling right into and the energy of this track is really what grabs you.
There's something about the song that feels almost like it was recorded partially live on the floor and the players involved are just feeding off of each other the entire time which gives the song a sort of alive and breathing feel.
Of course, I could be totally wrong about the whole live on the floor thing, however listening to this track definitely makes you want to see these guys perform it live in your face simply because if that kind of energy is captured so well on record, then seeing it live must just be awesome.
I love the vocals here because in combination with the music it does make me think of certain kinds of late 90s and early 2000s punk rock bands like Pennywise for example but you do have a little bit more of a warm pop-rock rounded feel to this track as a whole.
There's also a bit of a story behind this track and the lyrics could be quite descriptive enough for you to even paint pictures in your head at certain parts which is cool because you don't get that often so when it comes along it's kind of refreshing.
Upon listening to this single I also checked out another one that they released last year called "Daft Persuasion" which shows a little bit of a different side of the songwriting and refs but still holds true to the staple sound that I was hearing in "River".
You pick up on the fact that these guys put out songs that have a lusciousness and full-bodied feel to them and they do have the ability to pull you away from your surroundings and put you in a different place for a little chunk of time which is something wonderfully connective to be.
Both of these tracks were awesome, and I will be keeping an eye out for whatever else Akimbo is going to be releasing in the near future.
This is for anyone who loves driving rock music that comes through with a heavy sonic presence but also tells stories.
Check this track out as soon as you can and don't be afraid to turn it up.
Remember where you heard it first.