“The Road” is the debut album from Into The Sun, a three-piece outfit from Liberty, NC. Despite their young ages (22 to 24), they boast a sonic maturity well beyond their years. For fans of The Wild Feathers, Kings of Leon, and Gaslight Anthem, this is a new band to look out for and an album to grab today.
Out of the gate, the opener, “No Ground” gives some insight into the album title. The sound of a revving engine turns into driving rock. Before the first word is sung, the instruments kick in, with soul and purpose, heading somewhere fast. The sound is conducive to a road trip, and by now we’re all gassed up and ready to take off. We reach max speed when Jacob Craddock’s comes in, and by the time the song hits the chorus, it becomes clear that it isn’t just a road trip; it’s the first road trip of the rest of our lives.
I can’t sit still anymore.
Don’t try to stop me as I’m running out the door
What I seek lies on the road
And I know I’ve gotta go
These lyrics seem to promise a journey of personal growth, and it delivers. From breaking out of your comfort zone (“Catch It”), to learning to let others in (How is Anyone Supposed to Hear”), to the heartache of a broken relationship (“Tethered”) and finding peace through it all (“Home”), “The Road” deals substantive rock ’n’ roll in sincere fashion.
Lovers of groove will be sated by the offering. The intricate, syncopated riffs of Jacob’s guitar sit naturally on top of an airtight rhythm section (bassist James Evans and Drew Coble on drums) equally apt to show off their chops. “Settle Down” gives the first glimpse into the band’s propensity for punchy rhythms, but the stand-outs in this area are “Equal to the Ox” and “Sister,” which give more groove than you can shake a stick at, with tons to spare.
Even the album’s more tender moments hit the mark, with highlights “By a Dying Fire” and “Carbon Copy Dreams” showing the band’s songwriting range.
There isn’t a skippable track on the entire album. Each song —like each leg of a good road trip— offers a unique texture, and in lieu of giving it a score, I readily recommend adding it to your collection. It will fit right in. “The Road” is available for purchase in the iTunes Store and streaming on Spotify.