On this soulful, homegrown debut from the brand new 28to15 we are presented with five reasonably sized bits of inspired indie rock with a decisive edge of pop and soul thrown into the mix. The results are a mix of styles and colors that carry a unique identity that’s got our appetites ready for more.
Based in Hilperton, 28to15 is a new project that is led by a songwriter whose name is Marc, and produced by a friend of his called Nic. The sound brought forth by this new coupling is one that’s intimate and warm. Through jangling instrumentation and wide open sound that’s dynamically rich and organic, we have 5 varied songs that differ in attitude and in lyrical direction, ranging from the upbeat and optimistic, to the subdued and depressed. The lyrics handle heavier topics like loss, depression, and modern life.
While generally optimistic in sound and tonal quality, the brightly overdriven guitars, boomy snares, and Marc’s own in-your-face deliveries and placement in the forefront of the mixes make for a very loud and bombastic sound that’s often confident and bold. The lyrical content then comes to paint the band’s generally warm compositions with wholly different emotions. The happier cuts like the starter ‘(Hey Hey) Beautiful Day’ have an exhilarating sound that is then amplified through Marc’s melodic delivery through the song’s classic rock sound. ‘19.8 Miles on Average (Like a Machine)’ has a more classic rock sound that’s less cheerful and more confrontational and somber, akin to more serious offerings from The Rolling Stones. Marc’s vocals are heavier and more intimidating on this song, imbuing the song with a sense of energy and determination that’s unmatched throughout the album, in spite of the song’s darker lyrics. The album’s penultimate cut, titled ‘Broken’, is a decidedly different song from the rest of the album. Darker instrumentation that’s piano-driven, decidedly sadder and more subdued, the song handles loss and loneliness, and Marc’s arrangement, lyrics, and composition all beautifully bring the point home. The finisher ‘I’m Alright’ does a good job ending the album on an inspired, exciting note, as Marc strongly states that he’s alright while the pop rock stunner unfurls behind him.
Home produced, independently, and with love and passion, 99 Miles shows a ton of potential for a fresh face that has effortlessly spearheaded such a musical undertaking. Rich and full of soul.
