Times Like These is a Pop Punk / Punk Rock band out of Long Island, NY. These young guys are taking over the Long Island music scene with no signs of slowing down. They released an EP, “Follow Your Stupid Dreams” in 2016, and are set to release their sophomore EP, “Take It or Leave It”, this year. With a top quality EP already released and another on the way, Times Like These is on a direct path towards success.
“Times Like These, a group of four 21 year-olds breaking out of small suburban neighborhoods to travel and play music to the world. The origins of the band sound stereotypical for a pop rock band, but the band itself is anything but with their unique brand of pop punk and pop elements.” I love this quote (taken from the band’s website) because it hits the nail on the head. With the release of “Follow Your Stupid Dreams” it was obvious that Times Like These have found and perfected their sound. The EP begins with Dead Bird Krew. This is a great lead song for the EP. It starts off with a slow guitar riff and soft verse that eases you into the song. Dead Bird Krew demonstrates the band’s ability to write about personal, heart-felt topics. “And you’ll go, but I won’t follow, I know just where I want to be, and normal never suited me. Don’t, don’t look back.”
With those vocals, the EP goes into Greetings From Avalon Park, my favorite song on “Follow Your Stupid Dreams”. This song is a much faster paced song that is complete with the quick, repetitive drumming and killer guitar chords that make the song so catchy and irresistible. In addition to the catchy chorus that is sure to have every person in the crowd singing along with the band, the thirty second jam session towards the end of the song is sure to have the crowd jumping around and going crazy!
“Follow Your Stupid Dreams” has three more songs that complete the EP; Touch Called Remedy, Wild Minds, and HAGS. I really like the meaning behind Touch Called Remedy. It’s essentially about a person that you want to keep in your life, but due to unforeseen circumstances, they end up messing up your life in a ton of ways. It’s not that there is hatred to that person, it’s just that they’re toxic to your life, no matter how hard you both try to settle things. “So keep, keep calling my name, in your sleep, sleep, falling away from reality, it’s only me that makes you weak. And you’ll find, find, you’re not always gonna be right, right, and that’s just what you need, and baby, you’re nothing more than a touch called remedy.”
Times Like These released a new single and music video, titled Moody Blue (Synesthesia), the first single off their upcoming EP, “Take It or Leave It”. The song is filled with exciting instrumentals and a very catchy chorus. “I’m changing colors everyday, your shades of red will fade to grey, you tell me blue is all that I need, but I know, that I’ll be ok.” Each time I listen to this song, I can hear a different band’s influence on it. Influences from bands like The Starting Line, Blink-182 and New Found Glory can be heard! Besides the new single being another hit for the band, the music video is awesome. It is extremely visually appealing and keeps you watching the entire time. The setting of the music video is a colorful, graffiti filled room that captures your attention immediately. For the majority of the video, the focus is not on the lead singer. It gives equal attention to all band members which I find so important in a music video. A band is a group of friends that have each other’s back through thick and thin; they are a family. It’s reassuring to see that every member of the band wants to share the spotlight and ensure each member gets the recognition they deserve!
Times Like These has already reinforced their place in the music scene with “Follow Your Stupid Dreams” and now have another killer EP on the way. “Take It or Leave It” is set to be released on May 5th, followed by a release show on May 26th at 89 North in Patchogue, NY. They will be playing alongside I Ignite, Scared20, The Everafter, and Off Guard. I will definitely be in attendance for this show, so make sure you are too! Keep checking the blog and social media accounts for further information on Times Like These new EP and upcoming shows.
Follow the blog’s Spotify playlist to hear music from Times Like These!