Great Time - "Sounds Like ____ [Vol. 3]"

Philadelphia’s Great Time aren’t content just sticking with one sound. Their desire to explore their vast influences was the impetus behind their series of Sounds Like EPs. “We want to make what we want to make,” says frontperson Jill Ryan. “We’re inspired by tons of different styles and sounds, and we feel most genuine when we’re creating music without any limitations or boundaries.”

Freeing themselves from any kind of self-imposed boundaries yielded excellent results for the band. The eclectic trio wowed us last year with a bevy of slick beats and danceable grooves on Sounds Like ___ [Vol. 1] and Sounds Like ___ [Vol. 2], and now they’re back with Vol. 3, the latest, much different sounding installment in their Sounds Like series. 

The songs on Sounds Like ___ [Vol. 3] venture into much darker territory and rest solidly on an alternative rock foundation. While the prior EPs coalesced around electro-beats, this five-song collection is decidedly guitar-driven. The guitars are heavy, emotive, and pummeling at times, especially on “I Could Be” and “Heave To,” the EP’s first two tracks. Even within this motif, the trio showcases their sonic diversity. “Was I Right” has a lighter dream pop feel to it, reminding me of Lush’s Split, and they pull up for a soft landing on “Beachfront,” a stripped-down, lo-fi tune with audible tape hiss that adds to its charm. 

Today, the band is also sharing a video for “Was I Right.” Ryan shared a bit about the inspiration behind the concept:

When I was little, I used to lay in my bed at night and stare up at the ceiling in my room. I’d get into a trance looking up and envision a really warm, comforting scene. It looked like a landscape of a Nilla Wafer cookie. But as soon as I was about to fall asleep, the scene would suddenly change to a grungy, oily, dirty landscape and my body would have a negative physical reaction. My hands felt enormous, my body teeny tiny and a knot would form in my stomach. It was so confusing! Why do I feel this way? I was so content, just about to fall asleep and then seemingly out of nowhere, this scary and uncomfortable feeling would take over. This would happen nightly for me and now as an adult, I realize that I was experiencing anxiety. Those sensations still find me to this day so I wanted to write a song about it. Zack, our bassist/guitarist, edited this video using old tour footage of our younger selves and shots of us performing the song in our studio. I think the visuals really match the emotions and intention of the song.

Check out the video below!

You can purchase Sounds Like ____ [Vol. 3] via Bandcamp. The EP is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with Great Time by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.

The band will be celebrating the release of Vol. 3 tonight at Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia. Get tickets here.

You can also catch the band live in June and July in the below cities:

6/24: Richmond Music Hall - Richmond, VA

6/25: Pearl Street Warehouse - Washington, DC

7/3: Peach Fest - Scranton, PA

8/26: Foam Brewers - Burlington, VT

Photo by V Lucas