Ways Away

Ways Away are gearing up to release their sophomore LP and I’m definitely ready for it. Their self titled LP dropped in 2020 and was one of my favorite releases of that year, an album that hearkened back to many of the projects Sergie Loobkoff had been previously involved in (Samiam, Knapsack, Raquet Club, Solea) and that’s a good thing, considering his output consist of some of my favorite albums of all time! Channeling elements of Samiam, Knapsack, Texas is the Reason and all things anthemic and emotional fist in the air 90s indie/emo-punk rock, the self titled debut LP was full of sing-along heart on your sleeve indie-punk anthems, courtesy of Sergie’s knack for writing big melodies and Jesse’s emotional and powerful vocal delivery. I was hoping this wasn’t a one off LP, and it looks like my prayers have been answered, as their new album "Torch Songs" featuring 11 new tracks drops next month! Based on the singles released so far (which can be streamed below), it sounds like we are in for another set of anthemic mid/late 90s sounding emotionally driven punk rock songs with monster hooks to go along with it, and without sounding at all dated. In other words, it sounds like the continued progression of Ways Away, but with the familiarity and nostalgic vibes I hoped they’d bring with a follow up LP. Sergie definitely has a formula with his song writing (and I mean that as a compliment), yet he always manages to bring new interesting elements and hooks to the table, while Jesse’s vocal delivery remains strong and convincing as ever. Definitely can’t wait to hear the rest of this in full so I can share some more thoughts on the LP in its entirety and make sure you pre-order the album at the link above.