Cydeways – “After Hours” EP
Cydeways is a Reggae Rock band that is killing the game right now. Originating in Boston, Massachusetts, the band has now moved the project out west to Santa Barbara, California. The band consists of Jeremy Baker (lead guitar), Dustin Parks (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Casey Kernohan (drums), Ryan Loui (bass), Trevor Buckingham (mixing/mastering/production) and Dana Shoults (production). In mid January, Cydeways released a powerhouse EP, “After Hours”. The entire flow of the project is some of the best I’ve heard from the band. Pair that with features from Grieves and Ballyhoo!, and you have one kick-ass EP!
I first came across Cydeways back when I started this blog and was an instant fan. Their upbeat Reggae Rock style was, and still is, insanely infectious. Of course I jumped at the chance to review their new project. One of the coolest things about Cydeways is that they are able to create music with members living on opposite coasts of each other. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to speak with Dana Shoults, where he shared some amazing information on Cydeways and “After Hours”.
“After Hours EP is a product of all 6 members of Cydeways coming together and working on songs for a couple of years, and it represents us coming together and really trying to turn Cydeways into something. Trevor, Dustin and I met in Massachusetts while growing up. We were in the same very small reggae rock scene in and around Boston throughout high school and early college. During this time, Cydeways became a project between Trevor and Dustin. I would come help on the project from time to time, but I wasn’t an official member at that point. Then Dustin moved to California in an attempt to find a better market for Cydeways.” The remainder of the band eventually made their way to California as well. Dana continued, “Me and Trevor stayed back in Massachusetts and continued to make beats and produce beats from the boys in Cali. Eventually, we linked with LAW Records and signed with them, and took the sound we’ve been trying to carve out for ourselves and made the After Hours EP. The record would not be the same if it weren’t for every member of the band, and it’s been really amazing finding out the ways that we can make music from coast to coast. Trevor or I can start a beat, send it to the guys in Cali, they put their stuff on it, send it back, and we keep going from there.”
“After Hours” starts off with “Shadows (feat. Grieves)”. This was the best song to begin the EP with. The smooth guitar introduction leads perfectly into the vocals. Dustin matched the instrumentals effortlessly and sounds amazing. “And thinking I don’t feel alright, screw loose in my head, I feel so dead until I get it right. You know we coming for it, oh, we gon’ see the light. Until then I’m just in the night.” In addition to the band killing it on the track, Cydeways hit a home run with the feature on this one. Grieves’ rhythm and flow is tight!
The entire EP is sick, but there are a few songs that stand out to me in particular; “Come Alive (feat. Ballyhoo!)”, “What You Know”, and “Are You Down”. “Come Alive” is one of those songs but you can’t help but love. The way Cydeways was able to mix the classic reggae rock vibes with their own sound and style is impressive. They created a song that will have everyone nodding their head and singing along. If that wasn’t enough to hook you, whenever Howi Spangler (Ballyhoo!) jumps on a song, it’s a guaranteed banger!
“What You Know” comes up next, and this one is sure to be a fan favorite. The upbeat, positive vibes are felt immediately. Dustin’s vocals, along with the instrumentals, come in right away and instantly put a smile on your face. You can’t help but catch that positive feeling and dance along. This is a song that will be a staple on all beach/car/party/bbq/sex, or any other playlist you can think of! Last but not least, my favorite song off of “After Hours”; “Are You Down”. This song has been on repeat for me since Cydeways dropped the EP. It hits every element you could possibly want. The keyboard, bass and horns take the hip hop beat to another level, creating a sound that’s like a mix of Pepper and Little Stranger. Oh, and did I mention that the horns are played by members of Iration?! Needless to say, I am 100% down.
Cydeways has outdone themselves with this EP. They took elements from their first album, meshed them together with some brand new ideas and sounds, and created gold. With “But It Ain’t House Music” (2017) and the newly released “After Hours” (2020), it’s only a matter of time before you hear of this band everywhere you go. Dana ended our conversation by saying “we are always working on new music, so you can expect more from us soon!” Until then, check out songs from “After Hours” on the blog’s Spotify playlist: After Hours Review!