Indie rock outfit Carrying Torches has been making a significant impact in the Midwest music scene with their blend of genres since starting out eight years ago. Standing at the crossroads where suburban Chicago meets the rustic charm of rural America, this five-piece band crafts a sound that’s struck a chord with listeners across the USA and beyond.
Formed by Justin Daniel, Jon Paul Gray, Misty Okroi, Taylor Smith and Mike Bass, Carrying Torches fuses elements of synth wave, Americana and heartland rock into a thoroughly unique sonic output. The band first made their entrance with their debut single “Sinking” and their first EP, Ace of Wands, in 2017. Since then, Carrying Torches has been on a journey of sonic exploration and their sophomore EP, Strangers, confirmed their status in the music world, earning critical acclaim and several accolades, including the title of Deli Chicago’s New Artist of the Month.
The title track, “Strangers,” captured listeners’ hearts and earned Song of the Year at the Kankakee Area Music Awards. Bringing their music alive on stage, Carrying Torches has played shows across the Midwest with over 120 performances under their belt, continuing to impress throughout 2024 with both live and studio music.
Now they bring us their latest release with their new single titled “Good in Blue,” a track created during late-night jam sessions. Brought in by the soft pulse of synth textures, the bright vocal leads enter as the arrangement jumps with rolling drums and the gentle twang of guitar notes.
Building the energy with muted guitar rhythms and warm bass tones, the intricate balance between alluring vocals and crunchy guitar backing offers a stunning display of the band’s knack for blending light with shadow. Launching into a charging, uptempo chorus, infectious vocal hooks ring out to form a burst of anthemic, singalong indie rock that’s instantly memorable and utterly invigorating.
Once again demonstrating their stellar flair for stitching emotive songwriting into energising pop-tinged rock music, “Good in Blue” sees Carrying Torches deliver an epic outing. As they continue to go from strength to strength with each move, we can’t wait to see what they’ve got lined up for the rest of 2025 on their thrilling musical adventure.
Listen to Good In Blue below
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