Ryan McCulloch drops new record

Hailing from Thunder Bay in Canada, Ryan McCulloch started writing his own music when he was just 13. But it wasn’t until 2021 that he began bringing his sonic vision to life and sharing his studio recordings with the world.

Taking influence from artists such as The Beatles, Roxy Music, Cheap Trick, Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen, Lana Del Ray, Taylor Swift and Todd Rundgren, he made his entrance and unveiled his original sound with the debut 2021 album The State of the Union which he followed up with sophomore record Lifestyles Of The Young And Aimless last year.

Earlier this year he dropped the single titled “Get The Lead Out” and now he brings us his latest release with his third record, Combat. Showcasing his all round musical talent, Ryan performed all the music across the album’s 8 tracks, signing, playing guitar, bass, piano and drums and also handling all the recording and production out of his own basement studio.

Opened by lead single “Get The Lead Out,” the album kicks off with an energising twang of electric guitar, joined by rumbling drums and a pick slide. When Ryan’s vocals enter, he lays down swaggering vocal leads as a bluesy rhythm plays out below. Channeling a punk attitude and rock and roll energy, it’s a superb opener that grabs your attention straight away.

Title track “Combat” takes a more delicate approach, crafting a dreamy indie rock sound driven by bright drum rolls, tender vocal leads, jangly guitar tones and soft piano flourishes. “Heavy Metal,” unlike its title would suggest, serves up a heartwarming blend of power pop wrapped in a soft rock vibe, full of elegant melodies and graceful instrumentation.

Other highlights on the record include “Thanks, But No” with its bouncy indie rock energy, lightly crunchy guitar chords and slick vocal leads and storytelling lyrics, crafting an instantly catch jam. The record closes with “Love And Rockets,” which opens with crowd noise before a lofty guitar riff enters over lively drums, resulting in an anthemic sound led by Ryan’s commanding vocals on this epic 9 minute long finale to a superb new album from a talented artist.

Listen to Combat below