The Clydes release ‘Everything’s Not Dark’ EP

Hailing from New Jersey, The Clydes were formed in 2010 by brothers Brent and Brian Johnson alongside longtime friend and bassist Andrew Orlando. Over the last fifteen years, the trio has earned a reputation for crafting alternative pop rock that hits with drive and atmosphere, blending cinematic guitar textures with synths. The Johnson brothers grew up side by side in central New Jersey, their bedrooms close enough that borrowing records was a daily ritual and their shared tastes and collaborative spirit naturally blossomed into songwriting; Brian would develop a riff while Brent shaped melody and lyrics to fit.

Those early exchanges planted the roots of the sound they’d go on to pursue as The Clydes. Alongside their affection for fellow Jerseyan Bruce Springsteen, their record collections told a wider story, spanning Billy Joel, Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Wonder to Prince, Fiona Apple and Kris Kristofferson. Equally present was a love of British artists like The Beatles, The Smiths, Oasis, Blur and Bowie, whose songwriting and attitude left a lasting impression on the budding musicians.

The brothers’ fascination with British music extended into their travels, with their first trip outside North America taking them straight to Liverpool and London. That influence has always coloured their songwriting, combining the pride and lyrical wit of British pop with the anthemic qualities of American rock. Their band name itself, a nod to New York Knicks Hall of Famer Walt “Clyde” Frazier, hints at their mix of local identity and larger-than-life ambition.

Since their debut record Generator in 2013, The Clydes have delivered an expansive catalogue, including multiple EPs and albums through Jersey indie label Mint 400 Records. Their latest offering comes with their new three-track EP titled Everything’s Not Dark, recorded at Retromedia Sound Studios with producer Adam Vaccarelli. As Brian Johnson puts it, it’s about “the art of not wasting a note or a moment.”

The release opens with “Sleeping On The Side Of Your Head,” a track driven by big riffs, bigger choruses and a soaring synth break. Written through quick-fire exchanges of sound files between the brothers, it arrived naturally, with Brent shaping words and melodies almost instantly to Brian’s riff. The result is one of the catchiest songs the band has ever created, its forward momentum embodying the horizon-chasing energy Brent describes.

Second track “This Is The Night Shift” lands anxious intensity, channelling new wave aesthetic and Britpop exuberance to deliver a bouncy indie rock jam cut with intricate guitar rhythms, punchy drums and alluring vocal performance carrying emphatic melodies. Flowing between the steady march of grooving verses and lively double-time choruses capped by belted vocals, the track adds flashes of slick instrumental flourishes throughout, resulting in an anthemic sound that’s infectious and meaningful in equal measure.

Closing track and lead single “Soak On” balances intimacy and power, first conceived on Brian’s cherished Gibson Hummingbird acoustic, it swells into a full-band performance marked by bright contrasts and sheer sonic weight. Set up by the gentle lilting sway of jangly guitar tones and expressive vocals, the track serves up an epic listening experience that builds to a delicate Mellotron-tinged finale.

The EP represents both therapeutic release and an exciting preview of the band’s forthcoming full-length album. Tied together by a message of determination, Everything’s Not Dark highlights their belief that even in difficult times, there’s always a little light to be found. After more than a decade together, The Clydes continue to operate at the very highest level and we can’t wait to see what their next record has in store.

Listen to Everything’s Not Dark below