The Get Arounds have found a sound that suits them on “Going Out Tonight”, their second full-length album. The Vancouver band brings together power pop, punk, alternative rock, and indie rock across thirteen tracks, with big guitars, sharp rhythms, and choruses that are hard to shake. It is a straightforward rock record, but there is enough variety here to keep the album moving. “Going Out Tonight” gets things started with the kind of energy that defines much of the record. The band clearly knows how to write a strong chorus, and songs such as “Fuck Around” and “Shut You Down” keep things moving with their punchy rhythms and quick delivery. “Waiting For The Stars” and “Hold On” slow the pace a little, giving the melodies more room, while “Black Corvette” and “Stuck In LA” bring a confident swagger that fits the band’s style particularly well.
Lana Ryma gives the album a strong center with her vocals. Her voice sits comfortably alongside the guitars, keeping the songs grounded without trying to overpower them. She also returns to drums on “Kill Or Be Killed”, a straight-ahead punk song that adds another burst of energy to the album. One of the things I enjoyed most about “Going Out Tonight” is that it does not feel overly complicated. The songs get to the point, the guitars have plenty of presence, and the hooks are allowed to speak for themselves. I also like the small rough edges throughout the record. They give the songs a more natural feel and suit the band’s rock-and-roll attitude.
The title track itself came together remarkably quickly, taking around thirty minutes to write, with the band even keeping the first vocal take. That spontaneous approach seems to fit the album well. There is a sense that the band trusted the songs rather than trying to polish every little detail.
“Bones” is one of the album’s more striking moments. It pulls back from the louder material and takes a darker look at life, cruelty, evil, and hidden truths. “Hideaway” also gives the record some breathing room, while “Do Or Die” brings a more modern British pop-rock feel. The album was recorded by Jason Solyom and Carman Lethbridge and mixed by Solyom. Lethbridge handles much of the instrumentation, with Ryma contributing vocals and drums on selected tracks and Jay Solyom filling out the rest. Everything stays focused on the songs and performances.
For me, “Going Out Tonight” is at its best when The Get Arounds are loud, catchy, and direct. The band sounds more comfortable with its identity here, and that confidence comes through across the record. If you enjoy guitar-driven rock with memorable choruses and a little punk attitude, “Going Out Tonight” deserves a place on your playlist. Follow The Get Arounds to keep up with the band, and give tracks like “Going Out Tonight”, “Black Corvette”, “Bones”, and “Hideaway” a listen. Add the songs that stick with you to your regular rotation, because this is a record made for turning up loud and coming back to when you want some honest, energetic rock and roll.
