Track of the Day: Groundstate – Floating Away (2023)
Drawing on the iconic sounds of 90s rock but bringing a unique, contemporary flair to the melodies, alternative rock duo Groundstate has something fresh but familiar for their listeners. Formed in 2014 by US-based brothers Aidan and Connor Smith, the lads began garnering a following with their energetic and enthusiastic live shows. In fact, over the last eight years, the pair have supported national acts like Crazy Town and Saliva. Yet, with the release of well-received singles and albums, Groundstate proves they can take their raw sound to the studio and pump out something fantastic. Featuring on notable blogs like Rock Era Magazine, Clout, TPJL News, Sinusoidal Music, and Illustrate Magazine, Groundstate is reaching far beyond its Ohio boundaries. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Floating Away’.
Following their album Collapse, ‘Floating Away’ is Groundstate’s first release in about four years. Penned and recorded during the pandemic with renowned producer Jim Wirt ‘Floating Away’ is another clear example of Groundstate’s brutally honest intensity. Vocalist Connor Smith shares that “rather on relying on modern production practices of using programming and effects, the end result of ‘Floating Away’…is raw and unapologetic in its melodic yet heavy approach. We’ve never wanted to hold back, what you hear is exactly who we are…”
One of the singles from their upcoming full-length album, The Things We Leave Unsaid, ‘Floating Away’ is, as Connor puts it “…raw and unapologetic.” Pounding drums match dynamic guitars creating a sound to knock you off your feet. Interestingly enough, while each instrument has prominence with hard-hitting guitars teetering along the heavy drums, the arrangement comes together as a harmonic whole in the end. The guitar solo highlights Aidan’s natural skill bridging the catchy chorus with an infectious verse. Add Connor’s rich, gruff vocals and you have a song to send your soul soaring.
The tune can undoubtedly hold its own with the arrangement itself but, for me, the lyricism further demonstrates the profoundness and depth of Groundstate. Aidan Smith explains that “’Floating Away’ was actually the first song we wrote for the album and it was written about the feeling of growing distant from someone and not being able to do anything about it. I think we’ve all had that, whether it was a friend or a girlfriend or whatever, where you can tell that someone doesn’t want you in their life anymore…”
Oozing passion, vulnerability, intimacy and despair, Groundstate explore human fragility in their unforgettable single ‘Floating Away’.
For more from Groundstate, check out their Facebook and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
