Something about this guitar tone always picks me up. Add in the raspy vocals and it really only takes me a few seconds into this record to know that Distants are my kind of band. Honestly, I’ve seen them before too, so I already knew that, but that was just a half set at The Fest, not a deep dive or anything. The band play midtempo, honest, working-class punk. The kind where the words are front and center and mostly clear and, often, you can almost singalong on the first listen. It’s accessible and somewhat predictable, with both of those terms meant in a good way. But while I say you can singalong right away, that’s also not because it’s so simple that it just repeats itself over and over. The ideas on this self-titled record explore adult concepts of daily life and existential crises.
I call it punk mostly because of its accessibility and everyperson approach If it weren’t for scene labels and the scratchy voice I think people would simple call Distants blue collar rock instead. It has (modest) guitar solos and other elements that go way beyond the limited dictionary definition of punk rock. It’s also not focused on speed or aggression but, as already noted, struggle instead. While it’s metaphorically going upriver on this 13 song album, you can feel when they hit the occasional favorable current and the paddling gets easier. There are almost contrasting moments of clarity, often when harmonies kick in, such as in “Family Recipe,” which give a brief, positive relief.
The lyrics are first person point of view, with lots of “I” and “my,” yet the tone feels like a universal struggle. The lyrics may point to the narrator/vocalist but they share ideas that apply to everyone, neither overly generic nor overly specific. “A Little Stitious” is a good example of this concept.
What strikes me about this record is just how consistent it is. When I write reviews, I try to pick out highlights or changeups to describe the sound. I could really pick any of the 13 songs here to showcase the sound. It’s approachable rock ’n’ roll that’s grittier than what you’ll ever hear on the radio, but it’s also not an assault on your senses of an avant garde WTF style. It’s punk rock for fans of Tom Petty that also blends the early 2000s No Idea sound and a brutal Midwestern honestly.
