Son Step is a guitar-less, synth-drenched rock outfit based in Philadelphia, comprised of twin brothers Jon and Chris Coyle (vocals/synthesizers and bass), Joel Gleiser (vocals/electronics), and Matt Scarano (percussion).
With their unique setup, the group expertly assembles twisted percussive layers and electric textures that build upon each other, resembling a game of Jenga on the brink of collapse. Maintaining a firm pop sensibility, complex rhythmic backbone and affinity for natural sounds, Son Step weave repeated vocal phrases and colorful, unpredictable instrumentation into a beautiful, cacophonous collage — eliciting feelings of keen awareness and wild bliss.
In this spirit, Son Step’s impending third full-length album, Fossilillies, is their most dynamic, evolved offering yet, a whirlwind of novel soundscapes where each member is an integral part of the songwriting process. Raw, impromptu synth phrases and harmonies run rampant through each track, a dream-like atmosphere propelling the record forward. Ultimately, Fossilillies is a nine-song postcard, illustrating the band in a period of particularly heavy touring, adventure and introspection.
Lyrically, the record reaches in various directions, elaborating on the joys of color and creativity while simultaneously tackling the nihilistic pace and dark hopelessness of modern times. Whether it’s “Saucy” assessing love and joy as concepts that can never truly be verbalized, “Jake”s Dream”, a profound “death dream” from the perspective of a dog, or the clear homage to Philly’s Schuylkill River Trail on “Cycle River”, Son Step are able to discuss these elaborate topics in the context of familiar city environments, making them all the more relatable.
“Feel those visions. Feel those voices. I know my nature. I know my own” are the last words uttered on Fossilillies. During these final moments, the surrounding instrumentation gradually putters out, resembling a battery on a low charge, while Gleiser’s vocals take the forefront, slowly and emphatically. A respite, reminding you to look down at the earth and take that flower in your grip.
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Upcoming Tour Dates:
6/05 – Brooklyn, NY @ Alphaville (album release show w/ Net, Pollens, and Miles Franci)
6/06 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s (album release show, w/ Data, Great Time)
6/12 – Louisville, KY @ Kaiju
6/13 – Indianapolis, IN @ White Rabbit Cabaret
6/14 – Cincinnati, OH @ Woodward Theatre
6/15 – Chicago, IL @ Observatory
6/17 – Milwaukee, WI – Cactus Club
6/18 – Detroit, MI @ Outer Limits Lounge
6/19 – Cleveland, OH @ Now That’s Class
6/20 – Columbus, OH @ The Summit
6/21 – Pittsburgh, PA – TBD