The Locals are a veteran independent band who have entertained the midwestern United States and beyond for two decades. They debuted back in 2000 with the EP My Kind of Freak. That record introduced a guitar-driven alternative rock ensemble from Chicago, led by vocalist Yvonne Doll.
Since their debut, The Locals have gone international. The prolific rockers have produced four albums, an EP and a string of singles. When not in the studio, they’re on the road. The band has toured extensively in the US and played some dates in the UK.
The Locals are currently in a heated competition to win an opening slot for Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson, via radio giant Audacy’s Opening Act competition. Of the contest, lead singer Yvonne Doll says, “A gig like this would be a lifelong dream come true!”
Click Here to vote for The Locals @ Opening Act.
Minutes, Seconds, Degrees is the brand new album from The Locals, released worldwide via all major streaming services on August 25, 2023. Produced by Steven Gillis at Transient Sound, it is a deeply personal album, written after the sudden death of Yvonne’s best friend. It is a raw and honest record, fueled by overdriven fuzz-tone guitars, infectious pop hooks, and Clash-like punk anthem vibes.
Throughout the LP, the band matches a modern indie aesthetic with classic alternative rock, new wave, and pop sensibilities. They seamlessly blend alt-pop grooves with Silversun Pickups-esque space-guitars on tracks like “Time Bomb Sounds” and “Bright Faced & Beautiful”. “Eyes Wide Open” opens on a bluesy jangly-guitar college-rock groove before the flood gates open and Doll leads the band in an epic, arena-worthy power-ballad.
The excellent “Helium Head” follows. If Johnette Napolitano and J Mascis were ever to collaborate on a song, it may sound something like this tune. The band leans into some new-wave vibes on tracks like “The Willful Suspension of Disbelief” and “Keep the Ghosts”. The latter song also adds to the mix some Kate Bush-style ethereal backing vocal harmonies, and plenty of grunge power.
“Eleven” and “Try” continue to explore the band’s unique pop and rock recipe, with a healthy dose of philosophy thrown in for good measure. The record then closes on a moment of Zen. “Atlas Wye” drops crumbs of Taoism and Disney before exiting on a beautiful solo piano outro.
Check out the “Eyes Wide Open” lyric video below. You can also hear both that song and “Willful Suspension Of Disbelief” on the Deep Dive : Pop & Rock playlist. Or listen to Minutes, Seconds, Degrees in its entirety on your favorite streaming service. Follow the links below to connect with The Locals. And don’t forget to vote for the band HERE.
Connect with The Locals
