Arcy Drive, the indie rock band based out of Long Island, is looking to make their grand entrance into the industry. The band is a makeup of talented members: Nick (singer), Austin (guitarist), Pat (bass), and Brooke (drums). It was only back in 2023 that Arcy Drive released their debut EP, Beach Plum, and began their musical journey. Fast forward to this year, their sound continues to bring together the best of their talents. Now, Arcy Drive releases their debut album, The Pit. The group takes its unique alt – rock style and blends notes of country and Southern rock with the upscale rooftop rock of New York indie.
"Under the Rug," the opening track, harkens to an age of stadium rock. Very in – your – face with the production, the track seems to pull you in with lyrics. Nick doesn't shy away from the spotlight that comes with the pressure of a debut project. While the sonic youthfulness is will visible in the track, it does fall flat in its theme. A little wanderlust in its approach, "Under the Rug" marks a bold choice for an opening track and pulls it off.
If "Under the Rug" felt aimless, "Louie" does a better job of settling listeners into Arcy Drive's sound. "Louie" is expansive and such a great, toe – tapping, head – nodding tune. The band is within their element and knows how to rock the place. The track leans into the distortion usually heard in shoegaze. By the song's end, a second run through of "Louie" starts up.
Arcy Drive isn't a one – trick pony. Very early in their careers, the band is still searching for the right tempo to make their home. Despite their indie rock genre, there are moments of sincerity of low-fi rock.
In "The Itch," Arcy Drive is their most burnable in the sense of sound. Serving as a reminder, "The Itch" crafts despair – induced paranoia. The vibrant track is a triumph for the band, marking one of their best tracks to date. Afterward, "Inchin' Up" picks up the motion of the album. Arcy Drive's lyrics are, if not fun and beautiful to belt out. Similar to Mt. Joy's explosive, emotional sound, Arcy Drive performs their music with the same effort. One of the best examples on the album comes in the form of "Thrift Store."
"Thrift Store" is like something straight out of a musical. Bold and fitted with aggression, the stadium sounding song comes from the very deep part of the band's soul. They sing each word like gospel, paving a golden road. Arcy Drive's debut is a welcoming into the overcrowded indie rock space.
The album is a mixture of feelings, more of a roller coaster into the human psyche. The Pit is Arcy Drive's interpretation of alt indie rock as the project gives a boarder insight into their vision. While raw in its presentation, the band makes it work for a debut project.
