Rochester-based rock band Blue 22 released their sophomore album, To Those Who Wait…, on Oct. 23. As suggested by the large clock face that occupies the album’s cover (as well as by the album’s title itself), time is a central concern for the band in this work. Throughout the twelve tracks of the album, Blue 22 weave together reflections on the past and anticipation of the future, often wrestling with how to find happiness in the present moment.
Blue 22 was formed in the summer of 2022 by Dom Spinelli (rhythm guitar and vocals), his brother Nick Spinelli (lead guitar and vocals), Eli Burgard (bass and vocals), and Will Hyman (drums). Since then, the group has played shows throughout Western New York, including at Iron Smoke Distillery in Fairport and Three Heads Brewing in Rochester. Aside from To Those Who Wait…, the band’s discography includes their July 2023 debut album, Where the Music Is Loud, and a 2026 live EP from the Genesee Brewhouse.
To Those Who Wait… opens with harmonized vocals on “Eudaemonia.” Named after a Greek word for happiness or well-being, this song sets the stage for the album’s overarching optimism. However, this positive outlook does not remain static. At times, the band’s happiness falters into anger (“Sunshine & Moonshine”) or depression (“Save Yourself”), both of which complicate the album’s emotional texture.
Before plunging into misery, however, “Traveling Tune” and “Little Hard Top Coupe” reinforce the forward-looking viewpoint established with “Eudaemonia.” With up-tempo, mostly cheerful-sounding beats, all three songs acknowledge hardship in the past and present but maintain hope that the future will be brighter.
The song “Somehow” takes a similar stance to the prior three songs, but with a seemingly newfound recognition of the growth that has already taken place, declaring proudly, “We started out so lost and lonely / But we’ve come so far.” This song brings more confidence to the preceding tracks’ mingled disappointment and hopefulness. Though “Somehow” mourns regrets and mistakes in the past, it expresses renewed dedication to a hopeful perspective on life.
Before long, it seems that the band reaches a taste of the happiness they have hoped for. With a more rock-oriented, less folky sound than the earlier songs, “The Morning Sun” is among the album’s more present-focused tracks, immersed in joyful quality time with a lover. “Drinkin Buddies” shares this sense of interpersonal joy. Though the verses are bleak, deploring “this messed-up world we’re living in,” the chorus centers on a blissful evening of bonding with friends over drinks. Campfire-style guitar strumming and group vocals highlight the song’s communal focus.
Near the end of the album, however, Blue 22 remind audiences that reaching happiness is not always as simple as finding people to care for. Written by drummer Will Hyman, “Save Yourself” takes the album on a dark detour, with prominent piano and heavy downbeats. The lyrics express a profound sense of insecurity and self-doubt, particularly in the imploring lines to a loved one, “Please just leave me alone / Go and save yourself.” This song dwells in the depths of depression that even the affection of loved ones cannot penetrate.
Still, Blue 22’s hopeful outlook wins out. The very next song, “When I Was Blind,” presents a reversal of the sentiments of “Save Yourself,” expressing gratitude to someone who has helped the singer make it through a difficult time. “You gave me eyesight / When I was blind” serves as the antithesis to the preceding song’s self-isolation. However, despite its placement immediately after the album’s emotional low point, this song does not negate the utter misery of “Save Yourself.” In keeping with the album’s overarching future-oriented sense of hope, “When I Was Blind” reminds listeners that even the most painful emotions are temporary.
To Those Who Wait… is available on streaming platforms now. For more information about Blue 22, see the band’s website.
Key Tracks: Somehow, Save Yourself, When I Was Blind
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