By Cynthia Gross
Some songs are meant to be turned up. Loud. With their latest single “Candy,” young D.C. rockers One Way Out deliver a riff-laden, melodic, and tastefully dissonant track that chronicles the tale of a relationship gone wrong.
The band’s eclectic style is evident in “Candy,” drawing influences from blues, 60s and 70s rock, jazz, and punk, all while retaining a synergy and distinct sound all their own. Juxtaposed with soaring vocals, blazing guitars, and aggressive drums, the contrasting intricate layers of the composition, guided by impressive keyboard and organ parts, are perhaps the most captivating. “Candy” is One Way Out’s third single of 2021 off of their just announced sophomore album, “The Sun, The Moon, The Truth,” which drops August 20.
Introspective lyrics from “Candy,” including “You seemed so full of love and grace/Now I realize you’re a walking disgrace – both to me and the whole human race,” convey the fractured, irreparable nature of the relationship laced with bad blood. Symbolically, the concept of “Candy” represents something that’s sweet at first but harmful in the long-term. While listeners feel for those impacted by the soured relationship, they can’t but be grateful to “Candy” for inspiring such a standout track.
One Way Out has been packing D.C. venues and collaborating with established musicians in the local scene since before any of the band members graduated from high school. The band is comprised of lead singer Josh Gaba, guitarist Jake Schaefer, drummer Geist Topping, bassist Giulio lacoviello, and keyboardist Ari Rubenstein.
The band’s single “Black Walls” was a 2021 Wammies finalist for Best Hard Rock Song. Recently, One Way Out shared the stage with Soraia of Steven Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records at The Bowery Electric in New York, their first show since the pandemic. Additional dates are scheduled as part of their East Cost tour.
With its mature, moody, and gritty sound, “Candy” brings out the best of garage rock, creating an electrifying 3-minute experience you don’t want to miss.
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Cynthia Gross is a freelance writer and award-winning spiritual pop artist based in Maryland. With more than a decade of experience as an executive ghostwriter, she understands the power of each individual’s voice to create positive, meaningful change.
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Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
