Brooklyn-based rock quartet The Energy have been crafting their signature sound for over a decade, and they’ve only gained momentum along the way. With a genuine fire and driving guitar riffs like no other, The Energy are channeling the true spirit of rock ‘n’ roll to electrify modern music.
Each song from each new release gets hearts racing from the propulsive chords to the dynamic melodies, lending themselves to features on MTV, ESPN, Netflix, and beyond. Having been direct support for big names like 3 Doors Down, Vertical Horizon, and Eve 6 on top of headlining the 2011 New York City Marathon only sparked the group’s evolution.
The Energy has four albums under their belt and they’re gearing up to blow the minds of fans and newcomers alike with 2016’s When We Were Young. The band’s fifth studio album combines poignant lyrics and edgy tunes to combat what they call an industry “oversaturated with garbage.” The Energy believes it’s their responsibility to maintain a high standard of creativity, sonic integrity, and performance, and When We Were Young does that and more.
I’ve watched The Energy for several years now, seeing them grow into one of the decade’s true rock and roll beasts. With the power of anyone from rock’s greatest era of the ’70s right up to today’s current crop of alternative-based rock, The Energy doesn’t disappoint or let you down. Comprised of Adam Wolfsdorf, vocals, Ian VanderMeulen, guitar, James Clifford, bass, and Zachary Thomas, drums, The Energy continues to roll out great rock music in the influential vein of Collective Soul, Live, Jimmy Eat World and Sugarcult.
The Energy has been busy since I last spoke with them, rolling out tons of shows and culling material for this latest release. This is a band that lives and breathes exactly what they preach. The new record is already selling well and includes combined influences of 3 Doors Down, 30 Seconds To Mars, MUTEMATH, Eve 6, Angels & Airwaves, Fastball, Marcy Playground.
Getting right to the material, I’ve come up with some self-evaluating opinions on their new record for you.
The disc starts off with “Losing Myself.” Combining heavy rock riffs with stellar choruses and bridgework, The Energy cranks rock and roll rhythms into the very soul. Adam Wolfsdorf is a strong singer and fronts a very talented band of players. Guitar work courtesy of Ian VanderMeulen is top notch and toned for days. James Clifford works extremely well with drum man Zachery Thomas in all areas. This is real rock music the way it was supposed to be made.
“You Can Follow” is up next and it’s a scorcher. If you’re into the music of early Stone Temple Pilots you’re gonna love this song. Wolfsdorf and crew plow into their intended craft with determination and grit on “You Can Follow.” Riffs dance with lyrical poetry as rhythmic dynamics pulse and grind through the verses and choruses. Wolfsdorf once again shows his strength as a singer here, pacing himself as he goes through his myriad of changes within the song.
“When We Were Young” reminds me of a wonderful combination of AC/DC and Blink-182. Wolfsdorf showers the tune with a phenomenal rain of lyrical chagrin as the band cranks into their individual parts and overall band contributions. Once again, VanderMeulen demonstrates great overall style and tone on this ode to youth. “When We Were Young” is a look back at our days of youth and love and loss, and it works on every level it strives to hit.
“Return To You” is up next. Adam Wolfsdorf demonstrates his expertise at hitting both rock and roll riff-driven rockers as well as ballad-driven sonnets. “Return To You” utilizes a heavy and contagious chorus that works in conjunction with quite verses and well-thought-out bridges. This song has one of the best rock choruses on the planet and the song fires on all levels. VanderMeulen’s slide work is top notch and lays side by side with Adam’s plaintive vocal styling. Clifford and Thomas nail the bottom end and keep things solid and grounded.
Moving around the disc I came across the song “California Sun.” Wolfsdorf once again blazes in his individual style as the band lays it down heavy. If you like Alice In Chains you’re gonna love “California Sun.” Featuring solid rhythm sections and tube-fueled guitars, the song is a blistering piece that features introspective guitar work by VanderMeulen. Adam once again gets his point across with sonic vocal ability.
“American Disaster” takes over the platter next and doesn’t disappoint. Wolfsdorf tells the tale of the true American Disaster. Exploring the time-tested subject matter of love gone wrong and all that comes afterwards, Wolfsdorf and company synch up and tear it up. With a combined force of guitars, bass, drums and vocals, The Energy leave you with a great view on love and the after effects of such.
The last song on this great disc is “The Constant” featuring G4SHI. The Energy returns to their grinding, pulse-driven style reminiscent of earlier releases on “The Constant.” The vocal assist of Albanian-born rapper G4SHI is outstanding and I love the overall street vibe of the piece. Working in conjunction with Wolfsdorf, G4SHI does a great job of bringing this song to a slice of urban base life as does the rest of the band. VanderMeulen’s guitar work is extraterrestrial here, combining smart harmonics with soaring, single note runs and riffs.
The Energy has proven once again that without a doubt they are one of the Tri-State’s best unsigned bands. Every time these guys release a new project I can’t wait to hear it and then see them live, as they always back it up onstage. If you’re a bona-fide rock and roll aficionado, I urge you to grab a copy of When We Were Young for yourself and get onboard with one of the area’s hottest bands.
For more information on The Energy and their hot new release When We Were Young, head over to facebook.com/TheEnergyband. You can also find When We Were Young over on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and other outlets.
