Friday, June 23rd marks the release date of Glass Pony’s latest album, Washed Away. The strength of the release lies with compelling instrumentals, creating a perfect blend between nostalgic classic rock and a more modern sound.
The Albany-based group features Chanda Dewey on drums and vocals, Eddie Hotaling on guitar and vocals, Jeff Picarazzi on bass and vocals, and Greg Pittz on lead guitar and vocals.
The album offers a perfect pop-rock sound for a hot summer day, the sound reminiscent of some signature classic rock influences. This is first established with the album’s catchy opening song, “Bottom of the Ocean.” The bright guitar creates a nostalgic, summery feel, qualities that would make the song perfect to listen to on the beach. The song blends the vocals of the entire group for an upbeat tune about change, or the lack thereof. The lyrics remind us that “at the bottom of the ocean, it’s just another day,” despite how much may change on the shore.
Another Washed Away highlight is “Spotlights,” one of the album’s most impressive pieces. While the song’s opening is slow, it quickly becomes captivating through its transition into a funky, quick groove. The quick beat and groovy feel make the song an enjoyable listen, perfect to dance to. The powerful instrumental mix carries the music, almost as if the vocals accompany them. Similarly to “Bottom of the Ocean,” the song embodies aspects of classic rock, largely though the electric guitar. Halfway through the song, an epic guitar solo takes over, almost as if it is telling story. Listening to the song was a memorable experience, akin to its lyrics about having a new experience.
One of Washed Away‘s most unique pieces was undoubtedly “Doppler.” The song opens with a bass solo, establishing a chill tone, but takes on different moods and tones throughout the song. A powerful instrumental intro takes on an alternative rock feel, whereas later sections of the song incorporate dreamy synth combined with sounds of nature, such as bird calls. Through a slow crescendo into a guitar solo, the instrumental-heavy song is dreamy, interesting, and powerful.
Glass Pony further showcased their compositional skill through quick instrumental pieces like “Sonder,” a song without lyrics, but not lacking in any way – the instruments tell their own story. A quick, shredding electric guitar builds into a catchy tune, ultimately building to a chaotic, fascinating blend of instrumentals.
The album’s final track, “Upside Down,” offers another chill, summery rock anthem to add to any beach playlist. The music manages to emphasize lyrical phrases, matching the beat and rhythm of the group’s words. The bright, pop rock sound is comparable to the album’s opening track, bringing a sense of coherency to the album. Through a similar intro and outro, it feels like the listener is taken through a musical journey, returning to where they began.
Following its official release, find Washed Away from Glass Pony on Spotify. Watch the lyric video to “Bottom of the Ocean” below.
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