Hailing from the area where suburban Chicago meets rural Americana, Carrying Torches has been lighting up the music scene since their formation in 2016. This band, featuring the talents of Justin Daniel, Jon Paul Gray, Misty Okroi, Taylor Smith and Mike Bass, has been making a name for themselves with a sound that’s covered the musical spheres of synth wave, Americana and heartland rock.
Their unique musical fusion offers a refreshing take for listeners seeking something that’s emotionally meaningful while still challenges genre boundaries. From their early days with the debut single “Sinking” and their first EP Ace of Wands in 2017, Carrying Torches has been on a decorated adventure of musical exploration.
Their sophomore EP Strangers earned them significant accolades, including the title of Deli Chicago’s New Artist of the Month while the title track “Strangers” won Song of the Year at the Kankakee Area Music Awards. With over 120 performances completed so far, Carrying Torches has become known for their magnetic live shows across the Midwest.
This year has seen them build on their creative momentum with multiple single releases planned as well as more live performances. Now they bring us their latest single, “All For Nothing,” a track that exemplifies their musical evolution and showcases their knack for crafting catchy tunes with thoughtful lyricism.
Opened by the soft wail of feedback and crash of drums, the track erupts into a bright burst of indie rock as storming guitars and punching percussion collides to immediately grab the listeners attention before the arrangement simmers down for the first verse. With airy vocal leads, gentle guitar chords and the pulse of synth tones, the instrumentation builds the energy back up as the song launches into an explosive chorus of instantly catchy melodic leads and charging rock energy.
Brimming with infectious songwriting, heartfelt lyrics and the lively rise and fall of energy from the drums and instruments, “All for Nothing” serves up a spectacular slice of the Carrying Torches sound. With more singles on the horizon and a string of live shows scheduled, 2024 is turning into another sensational year for this exciting, must-watch outfit.
Listen to All for Nothing below
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