Brooklyn-based duo Locations, formed by Niko Rummell on guitar and vocals and Thomas Whidden on drums and vocals, have been striking a chord with their highly original alternative rock sound. Their music serves as a vehicle for addressing critical societal issues and inspiring change and their sophomore EP, the aptly titled Stop the Money, thematically dives into the problems caused by the influence of big money interests.
Stop the Money is a potent and personal collection of tracks, following their debut EP, Royalties, released in 2020. With this new offering, Locations aims to engage their audience with issues that affect us all and encourage action for positive change.
Produced by Nelson Antonio Hernandez-Espinal and featuring mixing expertise from Matt Bayles, Locations’ sophomore effort serves as a condemnation of the excessive control wielded by the ultra-wealthy over various aspects of our lives. It’s a damning assessment of the societal issues that continue to trap the working class, wrapped in a hypnotic sonic range.
The EP kicks off with its lead single, “Trickle,” an alternative rock anthem that supports the modern American Labor movement and advocates for taxing the ultra-wealthy. The song serves as a rallying cry against corporate greed, capitalism and the wealth inequality that’s escalated in recent decades. It’s a raucous rock cut driven by fuzzy guitars, powerful riffs and thundering drums, all complemented by Locations’ impassioned vocals and incisive lyrics.
“Good Ole Same Ole” opens off with a twanging guitar riff that sets up the gritty vocals to take flight. When the drums enter, the song gains momentum, resulting in a piquant rock outing brimming with punk attitude and a driving energy. “Money Man” takes a different approach, opening with a dreamy atmosphere created by hovering synth stretches. Delicate melodic leads float over the music and distant percussive rolls introduce the full sound of warm guitar tones and bold bass pulses, crafting a laid-back indie rock sound filled with memorable melodies and thought-provoking lyricism.
“Better Days” shifts to a delicate indie sound, featuring intricate guitar plucks and softly splashing drums. Stunning vocal layers enter, weaving alluring melodies and creating a graceful rock ambiance. The EP concludes with “Taxman,” an uptempo rock jam that provides an energising finale. Crunching guitars collide with grooving bass lines and punchy drums, all while commanding vocal leads dance above. “Taxman” captures the EP’s ability to convey profound messages while delivering a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.
Commenting on the context behind the EP, they share, “In a world that feels so incredibly divided, we want to use our music to unite the working class on common sense issues to create meaningful change. Most reasonable people believe that healthcare is a human right, that the climate emergency requires immediate action, and that our system of government is corrupt. We need to stay focused on what benefits us all and start working together to achieve it, because there is literally no time to waste.”
Listen to Stop the Money below
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