Realists If you’re looking for a new band that reminds you of The Gaslight Anthem and The Menzingers, Red Arrow Highway are here to complete your search. Their sophomore album, Be Someone Better, tackles relatable themes of friendship, the ups and downs of living in a world filled with despair, while still looking for the silver lining in it all to keep ourselves afloat. Originally started as a two-piece band with founding members of Nate Johnivan and Justin Saurez, Red Arrow Highway have rounded out their musical attack with an additional four musicians to make for a full-sounding record. The West Michigan band remind us on Be Someone Better of the importance of keeping friendships top of mind while rocking out with some commendable tunes.
”Not The End” kicks off the sophomore era of Red Arrow Highway with some lamenting in the lyrics from Nate Johnivan, while his bandmates rally around his words with some slick musicianship. The anthemic chorus establishes a great rhythm to the band’s sound, and makes for a memorable opener. The single of “Realists” is a great reminder that there are still young bands out there capable of writing Bruce Springsteen-esque guitar anthems that tell a story. The band sounds tight-knit and they play off of each other’s sections like a unit who has been doing this for years. “Amphetamines” is a bass-heavy, driving rock song that works its way around bassist Dave Daniele’s playing, and “Parallel” is another solid choice of a single that reminded me a little bit of the Foo Fighters’ early output in the instrumental sections in particular.
”Stop Worrying” features some great guitar tones from the triple-guitar attack from John Buchta, Johnivan, and Suarez, and the band does a great job of leaning into topical themes like mental health and to focus on things within our own control. “Sidequest” rocks with a solid urgency and finds Red Arrow Highway looking for the light at the end of a very dark tunnel. “Problem Solved” has some really cool guitar parts throughout the track and highlights the growth that Red Arrow Highway are displaying on their second studio album. “Never Too Much” is a nice, summery anthem fit for when the weather turns warm, and would make for a worthy addition to that playlist you’ve been carefully tinkering.
”Rose” is a mid-tempo ballad that adds in some synths by keyboardist Matty Weaver, while the steady drumming from Jason Kienke continues to impress. The track is a welcomed departure from the stylistic choices made by the band early on in the set, and it stands apart on repeat spins of Be Someone Better. The album closer of “Better Things” leaves the listener with some hope for the future, as the band reminds us all to never take anything for granted and live for today. Red Arrow Highway are pointing their trajectory in the right direction with this solid collection of ten songs brimming with great potential for this indie band.