Photo by: Lexi Yob
This piece was originally featured in AM02 — Issue Two of Ascribe. Click here to read it alongside the rest of the issue.
Get ready to dance to the beat of The Backfires’ new single, “Joyride” – an indie-pop track that packs a modern rock punch and transports you straight to the heart of New York City.
My first time listening to this track, I was riding a bus to who-knows-where in the middle of Queens, and as born-and-raised New Yorker, it resonated with me and gave me the feeling of a wild night in the heart of Manhattan.
Lead guitarist of The Backfires, Harry Ruprecht, describes “Joyride” as the ultimate embodiment of the band’s identity. It’s an electrifying and energetic track that offers a glimpse of what fans can expect from their upcoming releases this year.
Although Harry began writing “Joyride” years ago in England, he explains that he “finished the song with Alex upon moving to New York City and experiencing the nightlife and indie rock scene in the East Village and Lower East Side.” Drawing inspiration from the indie rock scenes from both the UK and the US, the song truly captures the essence of their live performances. Ever since the band introduced “Joyride” as their set closer in 2022, it’s become a must-hear track at their live performances. And it’s no wonder why: the song is the perfect closer to keep people energized and dancing until the very end.
The lyrics are reflective of life in New York City, with lines like “Meet you on the other side / Of town, for drinks that are overpriced / Late nights, smoke shops, and disco lights.”
Anyone who’s spent time in NYC knows that the city changes drastically from one block to the next, taking more than forty minutes to get from East to West as you walk along streets that are lined with smoke shops, bright lights, and pricey bars.
Life in the city can be fast paced, forcing you to move quicker than you’re used to. For many, a day or a night in the city can consume you, as it changes day-to-day, and people come and go. It can feel overwhelming, as though you’re drowning, whether from the city’s intensity or the alcohol you consumed.
The Backfires touch on this with their chorus, as Alex sings “But now / I think I’m drowning in you / Were you passing through / Or are you drowning too?” The lyrics and instrumental transports you to the bustling streets of the city, whether they’ve experienced it firsthand or only seen it on a screen.
“Joyride” is the latest addition to the band’s growing collection of hits, following the success of their 2022 singles “Reflections On My TV” and “Blindsided”. The release of “Joyride” was recently celebrated with a special event at Baby’s All Right on February 22nd. This track has earned a permanent spot on my travel playlist, and I can’t help but recommend it to anyone looking for a high-energy track with a distinctly New York indie-rock sound.
Check out their newest single on all streaming platforms.
You can listen to “Joyride” here:
