Dime Store Hustlers – Ground & Pound (2022)
Dime Store Hustlers are throwing us into the deep end of rock with the hard and driving tones of Ground & Pound. Using their signature no-frill style, they bring the essence of rock to our ears, while touching on the experiences that make us who we are. Each track of the EP carries their pure sound as they move from high school graduations to being proud of where you come from and everything in between.
While the EP is a product of the pandemic with the band members never being all together in the same room, there is an amazing cohesive sound that pushes through your core. Andrew Funke (bass, vocals, guitar), Mike Stilts (guitar, vocals) and Erik Fox (drums) form the core of the band after a few line-up changes since 2013. They have been joined by Jeff Palmer (organ), Breezey Fox (vocals) and Zack McTigue (lead guitar) on different tracks of the EP.
The EP opens with ‘Spirit of 76’ which was inspired by Funke’s older brother who graduated from high school in 1976. Opening with a burst of vocals that leads you into an engaging blast of rock melodics. The drums have your feet tapping away to the rhythm, while the guitars make you want to bounce around to their flows. There is a touch of nostalgia in the lyrics as they throw you back in time to the freedom of youth. The track is packed with a youthful spirit that fills you with a lust for life and adventure. It is a rather addictive way to open the EP and get you hooked to the no-frills sound of the band.
‘Last Daylight’ brings a different rock sound, as some of the energy of the opening track bleeds off into a country vibe. The vocals bring the almost country-rock tones to the track as the lyrics dive into the heartbreak that follows a breakup. The arrangement of the track is wonderful as the music moves from a steady flow to a gentle run, like sand falling through your fingers. This perfectly enhances the vocals and lyrics that unleash the tale of trying to hold onto a relationship that slips away. While the chorus is packed with heartache, there is a bittersweet feeling woven into the song that lets you know this might be for the best. A steady progression to healing and moving on is laced into the low levels. The instrumental section later in the track brings the rebuilding of your heart to life and leaves you feeling stronger by the end.
A classic hard rock sound flies out from the opening of ‘Pale Lady (Ride On)’. The organ provided by Palmer enhances this retro vibe, while bringing a heavy pulse of hard rock energy that is an absolute pleasure to listen to. The enthralling tones that open the track move into a pulse of guitars and drums for the verses, before rising again on the chorus. The rise and fall of the melody allows the vocals to really hit out with their delivery as they call out to the pale lady of their dreams. This is a song that you are going to want to blare at top volume so you can get down to every fantastic melodic element. The different notes and sounds all come together perfectly for this rich tapestry of sound that enthrals your senses.
‘Cocaine & Lighter’ brings back that toe-tapping vibe, but has it hitting in a new way through the slapping deep beats. There is a smoky and hazy feeling to this track, like you are roused in a bar in the early hours of the morning. Through the vocals, there is a story of pushing forward only to feel that the past is trying to tie you in place. It is a rather inspiring track for all the gritty and smoky vibes that have been infused into each note. As with the other tracks, it is an irresistible track that you will want to play on repeat. Each time you listen to the track, you are hit with another aspect that pushes the message of the lyrics home. As you sway to the rhythm of the guitars, the drums pound against your chest in the latter parts of the song. Everything gains a frenetic energy at this point pushing you out the door and into the future, away from the troubles of the past.
The EP comes to a close with ‘Rust Belt Anthem’ which opens with an almost sombre movement. The vocals from Fox brings a unique feeling to the track like you are driving through your hometown only to see how things have changed and not always for the better. This feeling is tempered by a strange pride in where you come from, even when others are unable to see what would keep you there. This is an extremely powerful single that a lot of people can relate to. There is a deep love for someone or someplace woven into the lyrics that sinks into your soul through the call of the guitars provided by McTigue. At times, there is an almost cinematic vibe to the track that makes you think it wouldn’t be amiss in a movie soundtrack.
Dime Store Hustlers work through life experiences with a touch of nostalgia and bittersweet emotion in the pure rock sounds of Ground & Pound. Across the tracks of the EP, they tap into different rock styles and sounds showcasing their vast talents while displaying the wonder of pure rock. The contributions of their collaborators take the tracks to new heights, while staying true to the band’s sound.
Find out more about Dime Store Hustlers on their website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
