I'll warn you right up front - once you hear "Money", the latest single from Minneapolis-based indie/alternative rockers Step Rockets, you're going to have a tough time getting this infectious, upbeat rock anthem out of your head. Musically, it's the band's fresh, energized sound, the great hooks and powerful melody that will immediately pull you in. Lyrically, I guarantee that you'll learn the chorus in a snap ("I don't give a f*ck about the money"), and find yourself singing along to this more than you'd imagine.
Comprised of Joshua Schmidt, Brady Lillie, and Johnny Syn, Step Rockets have produced a string of successful singles over the past few years (e.g., "Kisser", "Turning Tides (By Your Side)", "West Coast"), have released a stunning debut EP (2016's Future Nature), and have had their music featured in TV shows and commercials, including Showtime's Shameless, and ABC's Cougar Town. The band consistently delivers a vibrant, dynamic sound across all their material, with excellent songwriting at the foundation of it all. While the sound is primarily guitar-based, alternative rock, there's a nice balance of synths in the mix, giving the songs an extra punch and dancy vibe. Josh's vocals are "concert hall" powerful and dead on, at times a bit reminiscent of Lindsay Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac). Step Rockets is an emerging band you'll definitely want to keep on your musical radar.
I was lucky enough to catch a recent Step Rockets performance in Chicago, and was blown away by how incredibly tight and polished the band sounded. One of the best live band performances I've seen, for sure. I highly recommend checking them out if they're coming to your neck of the woods.
STEP ROCKETS @ Schuba's Tavern (Chicago) - June 1, 2017