Suburban Bicycle Gang – Change (2024)
Considered one of the more intriguing bands on the Canadian music scene, Ontario rockers Jerry Grey and Eric St-Pierre combine infectious lyrics with enchanting melodies. We were introduced to Suburban Bicycle Gang in 2023 with the song ‘Lake Scugog’ – a track from their well-received album In The Cosmos, quickly becoming fans of the talented duo with their indie-rock formula. Yet, while a strong indie-rock tone oozes from In The Cosmos, its folk-rock flair adds psychedelic charm to vintage sounds. Come with us as we delve into their new single ‘Change’.
Following the critically acclaimed ‘The Council of Rats’, Suburban Bicycle Gang take another sonic step into 2024. Showcasing an already shifting style, ‘The Council of Rats’ hints at punk-inspired ska carved with brash simplicity. In other words, Suburban Bicycle Gang isn’t just a psychedelic haze ala In The Cosmos but has pinpricks biting through in a new sound. In ‘Change’, the pair embrace evolution further with vintage folk-rock; however, slices of classic blues-rock underlie the melody.
Heading in a new direction, ‘Change’ is a swirl of acoustic and synthetic instrumentation. Led by bold guitars, the single opens with a soothing, gentle tune before crescendo into powerful riffs mixed in a harmonic melody; however, just as each has dominance, there is an interplay between the acoustic and electric guitar like two kids in a complicated dance. A bold bass and drums linger beneath capturing the children in the sonic dance, while Grey’s vocals tantalisingly drip with old-school folk charm.
Similar to ‘The Council of Rats’, there is an intriguing simplicity in ‘Change’ with light joviality, but a kaleidoscopic ambience adds the “extra something”. Persisting with their eclectic blend of heartfelt tenderness, moving lyricism and delightful humour, Suburban Bicycle Gang show they can retain the heart of their sound while stepping into diverse musical realms. For me, ‘Change’ is such an apt title with Suburban Bicycle Gang embracing change in the new track.
Find out more about Suburban Bicycle Gang on their official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more folk-rock tunes on The Other Side Reviews Folk Rock playlist:
