Glasslands

There's something to be said for following your dreams. But for Glasslands, that colloquial inspirational concept has roots that have grown into a firm footing in the indie rock scene.

Singer-songwriter Josh Kincheloe didn't have to give up his fruitful career as a sturdy sideman for other touring bands. In fact, he probably would've followed a more traditional path had he stayed put. But one's creative drive bows to no outside master, and Kincheloe's knack for catchy, atmospheric rock was bursting at the seams. He started Glasslands in 2013, the project the musician's first stab at crafting sound around his vision instead of supporting someone else's.

The band's debut album 'Pariah' emerged in 2016. Led by Kincheloe's expansive voice, the collection takes punchy blasts of metalcore and sends them into a melodic space often unreached in that genre. Subsequently, it earned glowing coverage in the punk scene from publications such as Alternative Press and HM Magazine. At that point, former Beartooth drummer Brandon Mullins had signed on as Glasslands' timekeeper. In 2017, instrumentalist Jordan DiSorbo (Before Their Eyes) became the act's full-time guitarist. Together, the three members complement each other in a manner that calls to mind some of rock's all-time great trios.

The frantic standalone single "Misery Game" arrived in 2018, giving Glasslands fans a glimpse of what was to come. Then the group released a pair of their most accessible rockers yet. In 2019, the one-two punch of "Mr. Creeps" and "Silent Prey" shook listeners' eardrums, the two fresh tunes arriving as the outfit's most dynamic and memorable numbers yet. They're also the most mystifying, with each song hinting at a labyrinthine cerebral underworld that harbors a vivid story all its own.

As if to mirror the band's sonic ascent heard in their songs, Glasslands' live shows have become a communal catharsis for all involved. After selling out venues in their home base of Columbus, Ohio, and beyond, the group is ready to hit the road harder than ever. That will give fans nationwide a chance to partake in the Glasslands concert experience that's as intense as it is reassuring.

Because if there's one thing the band knows how to do, it's to tell a relatable story and convey deep meaning through their music. From rowdy crowd singalongs such as "Deadman" to the exhilarating personal commission of "Go for Broke," each Glasslands tune has a way of being both an undeniable earworm as well as an unforgettable parable. The lyrical significance within each dovetails into its melodics hooks in a way that few performers can consistently pull off.

By now, the music world is ripe for Glasslands' takeover. It's been a long road for Kincheloe, Mullins, and DiSorbo in shedding their former creative selves and coalescing into an artistic combo that's stronger than the sum of its parts. But the real story is just beginning, and listeners have a front-row seat to the excitement that's in store. Thankfully for us, Glasslands didn't give up on following their dreams.