One Way Out (Photo by Carter Louthian)
Young DC rockers One Way Out recently released their third single of 2021 — “Candy,” off of their freshly announced sophomore album The Sun, The Moon, The Truth, out Aug. 20.
The announcement comes after their first show since the pandemic began, taking the stage with Soraia of Steven Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records at The Bowery Electric in New York City two days after restrictions were lifted in the city.
The Sun, The Moon, The Truth has spent a long time in the works; the band commenced recording with producer Ben Green of Fairweather (Equal Vision) in late 2019 after touring with Soraia earlier that year and being nominated for Best Hard Rock artist in DC alongside names like Clutch before most members had turned 18.
Following the release of “Black Lungs (and a Broken Heart)” on New Year’s Day and “Red” in early March, the band has pulled out all the stops on “Candy,” their grittiest, most punk inspired tune yet.
Stream “Candy” by One Way Out on YouTube:
In “Candy,” One Way Out really allows their punk and garage rock influences to shine through. This should come as no surprise after hearing their amped up cover of The Stooges’ 1970 cult classic “Down on the Street,” which served as the b-side to February 2020’s “Black Walls.” They blend these proto-punk inspirations with smooth jazz chords during the verses, reminiscent of bands like the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band.
“Candy” tells the tale of a sour relationship, juxtaposing the writer’s initial infatuation with eventual distaste, captured by the hook “Oh, Candy, you wrecked my mind.” If the lyrics alone don’t capture these intense polar feelings, then they are perfectly illustrated by abrupt transition from clean, chimey guitars to fuzz-smothered, blown out madness in the chorus. While these guitars and the driving drums link the song to its garage rock origins, One Way Out manages to throw in some more modern and off the wall additions such as pizzicato strings during the second verse, singer Josh Gaba’s signature screeching vocals, and many tasty keyboard licks.
One Way Out is a rock band from Washington, DC, known for their eclectic style: a meld of classic and blues-inspired late 60s/early 70s rock with progressive elements inspired by metal, hard rock, and jazz. The band also takes on the aggression of punk emanating from the local DC scene and the philosophies of more modern acts, such as King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Oh Sees, and Tame Impala. The band is comprised of lead singer Josh Gaba, guitarist Jake Schaefer, drummer Geist Topping, bassist Giulio Iacoviello, and keyboardist Ari Rubenstein.