West 22nd

One Liner:  Local college boys bashing out some fun indie rock

Wikipedia Genre:  No wikipedia, but Alternative rock, indie rock

Home: AUSTIN!

Poster Position: 24
Weekend One Only.
Sunday at 1:30.

Tito's Tent.

Thoughts:  So, just out of pure curiosity, I had Chat GPT write this review.  I was reading an article about how a writer paid about $300 to have a guy in Turkey set up an automated news website that would just write and publish articles all day.  And that made me curious how this would look.  In my opinion, it could not get any worse!  But here you go, with my comments inserted.

"Band Spotlight: West 22nd - A Journey Through Sound and Success

In the ever-evolving landscape of music, some bands capture the essence of their times while leaving an indelible mark on the industry. One such band that has carved its niche with a blend of soulful melodies and raw lyricism is West 22nd. [my God, that sucks so bad] Let's take a journey through their history, explore their unique sound, and highlight some of their top singles that have resonated with fans worldwide.

History of West 22nd

Formed in the bustling streets of New York City in the early 2000s, West 22nd was born out of a shared passion for music among its founding members: lead vocalist Sarah Rivers, guitarist Mark Thompson, bassist David Foster, and drummer Chris Hayes. [which, uh, seems really weird since the lead singer is definitely a dude]. The band quickly gained attention in local clubs and venues for their electrifying live performances and the emotional depth of their songwriting.

Their early influences spanned across various genres, from classic rock to alternative and indie pop, blending to create a sound that was both nostalgic and contemporary. Drawing inspiration from the city that never sleeps, West 22nd infused their music with the hustle and bustle of urban life, crafting lyrics that resonated with listeners grappling with love, loss, and the pursuit of dreams.

As they gained momentum, West 22nd caught the attention of record labels, eventually signing with a major label that allowed them to reach a broader audience. Their debut album, City Lights, released in 2005, marked a significant milestone in their career, showcasing their ability to blend introspective lyrics with infectious melodies. [haha - that is fake as shit - they don't even have an album!  Apparently, my job is safe here.]

Sound of West 22nd

Describing the sound of West 22nd is akin to capturing the essence of a summer evening in the city: warm, inviting, and filled with moments of introspection. [oh, GTFOH] Sarah Rivers' emotive vocals soar over Mark Thompson's intricate guitar riffs, while David Foster's basslines and Chris Hayes' drumming provide a solid foundation that drives each song forward.

Their music combines elements of indie rock with hints of folk and pop sensibilities, creating a sonic landscape that is both familiar and refreshing. Each track is a journey through heartfelt storytelling, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience with authenticity and vulnerability.

Top Singles

West 22nd has produced a catalogue of memorable singles that have resonated with fans over the years. Among their top hits are [except, you should know that none of these songs are real - WTF?]:

1.     "City Lights" - The title track from their debut album, "City Lights" captures the essence of urban living with its pulsating rhythm and Sarah Rivers' evocative vocals.

2.     "Stay" - A heartfelt ballad that showcases West 22nd's ability to blend emotional depth with melodic hooks, "Stay" became an anthem for fans navigating the complexities of relationships.

3.     "Echoes" - With its anthemic chorus and soaring instrumentation, "Echoes" reflects on the passage of time and the echoes of memories that linger long after.

4.     "Runaway" - An upbeat and infectious track that celebrates the freedom of youth and the thrill of chasing dreams, "Runaway" became a fan favorite for its uplifting energy.

5.     "Faded Dreams" - A poignant reflection on lost opportunities and second chances, "Faded Dreams" showcases West 22nd's lyrical prowess and ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.

Conclusion

West 22nd continues to captivate audiences with their evocative lyrics, captivating melodies, and dynamic live performances. As they evolve and grow, their music remains a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of genuine artistic expression.

Whether you're discovering them for the first time or have been a fan since their early days, West 22nd invites you to join them on a musical journey through the highs and lows of life, all set to a soundtrack that resonates with the soul.

In a world where music serves as a universal language, West 22nd stands as a testament to the transformative power of melody and meaning."

Good gravy, y'all.  First of all, that writing is atrocious.  I really truly hope that the world doesn't just let AI write everything from now on because it will be painful.  But more importantly, that stuff is all fake!  I am listening to this band on Spotify right now and none of those songs exist, the lead singer is definitely a dude, and I'm totally confused.  I even searched West 22nd and City Lights to see if there is some other band that just isn't on Spotify, but that doesn't get me anywhere.  Freaking weird.

Anyhoo, this is an Austin band made up of UT students, and it is pretty damn good.  Hold on, I mean to say that describing their sound is akin to a first kiss with your cousin while your grandfather looks on: wet, juicy, forbidden, terrifying, and full of heartland passion.

Apparently, three of these guys had something going on, living in Callaway House together and jamming, but then decided to try to grow into a full-sized band the old school way, by putting flyers up on telephone poles around West Campus.  They debuted with a show at the KA House.  I love the look of the band, it's like a Calculus study group went out and got professional photos for their group.  Either way, this stuff is legit - got a good shambling rock feel.

As I said, no albums, but a 2023 EP called All the Way Home - can't tell for sure but the cover looks like Zilker Park!  7 total songs for now, and "Sunburns" is the top one with 1.4 million streams.

As someone with fair skin, those two dudes chasing him with sunscreen is very triggering and I should have been provided with a warning before seeing this.  Good stuff - how fun to be a college kid with this level of skill?!  So cool.  In trying to find another video, this cover of "Sex on Fire," which sounds kinda like shit, is one of the few available.  But he for sure makes a go of it doing a shitless stage dive!

I hope he doesn't do that off of the Honda Stage and break his face.  I'd absolutely go see these guys, I think the music is good and the story is even better.  Also, Chat GPT, you are fired.