The Get Arounds Release New Album ‘Going Out Tonight’
Vancouver rock band The Get Arounds have released their second album, ‘Going Out Tonight’, out now.
‘Going Out Tonight’ follows the band’s debut, ‘I Wanna Live’, and finds them leaning further into power pop, punk and straight-ahead rock ‘n’ roll. The songs are short, loud and built around big choruses, with tracks such as ‘Black Corvette’, ‘Bones’, ‘Hideaway’ and the title track among the standouts.
“I think the new record is a little more focused on the songwriting,” says Carman Lethbridge. “On the first record we didn’t really know what kind of band we were or where we wanted to take it. We were looking for a sound and I think we found it on this one. The Get Arounds are a modern version of a classic radio rock band. We love great songs with choruses and big guitars and kick ass drums. Who doesn’t?”
The band started during lockdown, when Lethbridge began writing and recording with drummer Lana Ryma. Ryma later moved into the lead vocal role, while still playing drums on some of the new material.
The title track came together unusually quickly.
“It was one of those rare magic moments,” says Ryma. “The song took about 30 minutes to write. We even used the first vocal take. There’s a few dissonant notes but I loved how it sounded so we kept it.”
That first-take spirit comes through on much of the album. ‘Fuck Around’ and ‘Shut You Down’ are fast and direct, while ‘Waiting For The Stars’ and ‘Hold On’ give the melodies a little more room. ‘Black Corvette’ has more swagger to it, and ‘Bones’ takes the record somewhere darker.
“It’s a hauntingly beautiful song about life and how cruel it can be,” Ryma says. “The evil some commit and truths they hide.”
Lethbridge also sees the album as a step forward in his writing.
“I’m really proud of this record musically and especially lyrically. I feel like I’m just starting to hit my stride as a songwriter. Trying to cut to the truth. When songs are really personal it’s a bit scary, but people connect with that.”
‘Going Out Tonight’ was recorded by Jason Solyom and Lethbridge and mixed by Solyom. Lethbridge plays most of the instruments, with Ryma contributing vocals and drums on selected tracks. The live lineup also includes Sean Stubbs, Lisa Lloyd and Kimi Mah.
“Our live band is killing it right now,” says Lethbridge. “Sean Stubbs is the best drummer I’ve ever played with. Lisa Lloyd is a natural born rock star bass player, and Kimi Mah knows the songs better than I do.”
There isn’t much fuss around these songs. The band keeps things simple and lets the hooks, guitars and drums do most of the work.
“It’s a rock n’ roll party for sure,” Ryma says. “I think we kicked ass.”
Headline photo: David Jacklin
The Get Arounds Facebook / Instagram / Bandcamp
