Brand new single from Carrying Torches

Carrying Torches have long been staking their claim as a leading act in the American indie rock landscape and after eight years of musical adventure, the five-piece outfit continues to prove why their voice matters. Based somewhere between the suburban sprawl of Chicago and the open-hearted quiet of rural Midwest towns, their music captures that tension between grit and hope, intensity and reflection via a sound that fuses synth wave aesthetics, Americana warmth and the steadfast pulse of heartland rock.

Formed by Justin Daniel, Jon Paul Gray, Misty Okroi, Taylor Smith and Mike Bass, Carrying Torches first made their entrance with their 2017 debut single “Sinking” and the Ace of Wands EP. Their sophomore EP Strangers confirmed what their growing fanbase already knew; this was a band that offers compelling songwriting and the artistic talents to bring their sound alive in epic arrangements. The title track not only connected with listeners but also picked up Song of the Year at the Kankakee Area Music Awards, while the band earned a spotlight as Deli Chicago’s New Artist of the Month.

Over the last few years they’ve continued to impress with several impactful singles as well as winning over fans from the stage during their live performance. Now they’re back with a new chapter in the form of their latest single titled “Opening Up,” a track that takes life’s bruises and the lessons learned along the way to offer a sonic exhale of defiance.

The song speaks to the ache of having your voice dismissed and the slow, sometimes painful process of reclaiming it, framing themes of self-destruction and disconnection. Commenting on the single, singer Justin Daniel offers, “Opening Up is about the push and pull between letting someone in and the fear of exposing your darkest parts. It’s that moment of realisation where you wonder if you’re too far gone or if there’s still a chance to be understood.”

Jumping straight in with a jolt of crashing guitar chords and punching drums, the verse arrives with moody guitar notes, rolling percussive patterns and Justin’s rich vocal leads gliding above with melancholic yet subtly hopeful melodic lines. Progressing with crunching alternative rock energy cut with the wide appeal of pop-tinged songwriting, “Opening Up” sees Carrying Torches deliver a truly anthemic sound from start to finish.

With intricate ebb and flow between soulful, uplifting moments and passages of belted vocals and charging instrumentation, it’s a thrilling rock outing that’s equally catchy and poignant. Laying down another stellar display of their songwriting flair and performance panache, with “Opening Up,” Carrying Torches offer further proof of their ability to create music that’s both utterly engrossing and thematically profound.

Listen to Opening Up below