Debut EP from Into the Light

Coming out of Rochester, New York, newcomer rock outfit Into The Light formed in 2022 by vocalist and guitarist Adam Vernick, alongside drummer Mike Barnes, guitarist Rob Antonucci and bassist Jay Trovato. Drawing inspiration from shoegaze, indie rock and post rock legends such as Failure, Quicksand and Catherine Wheel, the band’s shared creative vision, adept musicianship and sonic chemistry see them offer a highly original sound.

The band made an entrance last year with the release of their debut single, “Manuscript,” a precursor to what would soon become a thrilling musical adventure. The momentum continued the following month with their sophomore single, “Bridge,” both brought to life under the skilled guidance of Steve Sopchak, known for his work with Ice Nine Kills and Motionless in White, at More Sound Recording Studio in Syracuse, New York.

Now they bring us their latest release with their debut eponymous EP, Into the Light, a six track release that provides the perfect run through of the full scope of the band’s original sound. Released via Luchador Records and Classic Core Records, the EP captures a stunning distillation of Into the Light’s sound that blends elements of post-hardcore, 90s alternative rock and shoegaze.

Opened by “The Thorns of Life,” the EP kicks off with an explosive guitar riff driven by the punch of splashy drums. Setting up a crunchy backing in the verse, commanding vocal leads ride the chug of guitars to craft a moody soundscape capped by the intense twang of lead guitar tones. It’s a powerful display of their rock sound that melts elements of alternative, garage rock and grunge into an emphatic and memorable sound.

The lead single from the EP, “Camera Shy” starts with the patter of drums and deep plucks of bass before the guitars usher in a grooving smack of energy. Floating vocals thread among bright lead guitar tones, resulting in a rousing and subtly uplifting dose of rock music that draws on the band’s influences from yesteryear while wrapping them in their own modern style.

The band’s debut single “Manuscript” delivers another highlight on the release, gliding in with atmospheric tones as the strike of drums and pulse of bass rounds out the downtempo sound. Hushed vocals hover among sparse guitar touches while spinning melancholic melodies furnished with an airy reverb. The storming sound of distorted guitar chords and rising flight of the vocal stretches collide to raise the track to epic crescendos.

Second single “Bridge” sees the band inject their grunge-inspired aesthetic with pounding drums and super-charged guitar work tinged with metal-stylings. Belted vocals charge above to create a potent cocktail of sonic ferocity. Closing the EP with “Midyear,” shimmering guitar textures give way to an eruption of full band sound where the contrast of smooth melodic vocal leads and gritty rock arrangement combine on a superb final outing on their sensational debut EP.

Listen to Into the Light below