A memorable alt-rock sound shines on Good Luck Have Fun, the new EP from dwn bad, out on June 20th. The Houston-based project of Derek Silva first caught our ears last year with debut single “Palace of You,” and now continues to strut melodic songwriting throughout this enveloping new EP. dwn bad expanded from a solo outlet into a full band following Silva’s move from California to his hometown of Houston, and is now poised to continue ascending with the stellar Good Luck Have Fun.
“Try and Try Again” commences the EP with spirited, hooky allure. The “trying my best” initial vocal strides meld with twanging guitars, hazy distortion, and a head-nodding rhythm section for an enjoyable sense of momentum. Further “don’t wanna be alone” sentiments further the vulnerable lyrical disposition, set amidst guitar-led vigor for a sound that reminds fondly of The Strokes. The ensuing “Run Around” channels a more post-punk and rock tint, a la early Interpol, and features a particularly “all the things you could’ve said…” bouncy rise into chirpy guitar delights. Elsewhere, “Too Late” balances breezy guitar pulses and “waiting around here for you” vocal ardency with emotively impactful precision.
A debonair beckoning to “take my hand forever…” traverses into passionate vocal punches on “Nobody Knows,” another Strokes-esque standout, while EP finale “Love on Repeat” unveils a relentless rock charge as dynamic vocals maneuver between dreamy striving to “figure it out” and quick-cutting fierceness. dwn bad’s Good Luck Have Fun never lets up in its quality, hooked-filled alt-rock appeal.
