An artist with an ability not to take themselves too seriously is always endearing. To that end, allow us to introduce Soda Grove.
The “canvas” for this song – when you play it on Spotify – features the Baltimore, Maryland musician playing guitar in a snow-covered park. Playing guitar whilst wearing gloves. And with that, we were sold.
As for the actual music, Last Penny seems to tick a lot of boxes. It’s anthemic, widescreen, energetic, heartfelt, and musically ambitious. Genre-wise, it seems to flit between 90s rock, emo, alt-rock, grunge, and pop, and it does so rather effortlessly, with not one transition feeling clunky, awkward, or forced. We detect traces of influences ranging from Smashing Pumpkins to Kurt Vile and from Weezer to Surfer Blood, and are reminded in parts of the recently reviewed – and very impressive – Seal Club.
In addition to the HUGE guitars and the infectious vocal performance, the percussion skips and shuffles, and is another distinct highlight.
Towards the end of the song, there’s a bridge where everything gets a bit dialled back and becomes gentler – but not for long – and afterwards it absolutely soars. The solo towards the end will make your hair stand on end. Sit up and take notice, Soda Grove has arrived.
Take a listen to “Last Penny” and follow them on the socials below.
Written by Kinda Grizzly
