Bryce Bangs - What Are You Looking For?

Bryce Bangs

What Are You Looking For?
​self-released; 2020

3.7 out of 5

By Jay Freeman​

Bryce Bangs started his music career in 2012. His cigarette laden voice, mean guitar riffs and “one hour to live” performances are what he’s become known for in his native state of Texas. Bangs doesn’t like being pigeonholed playing just one genre and his catalogue reflects that. He states that anyone who’s in the music business knows that it takes up a lot of your time, makes you put in long nights and asks that sacrifices be made – with no promises of making the big time. Still, for Bryce Bangs, throwing in the towel and saying “no” is not an option. Starting with his first EP in 2015 She’s Gone, produced by Paul Cauthen, word got around the Dallas music scene for the self-titled track “She’s Gone,” a psychedelic sad story anthem, and the fan favorite “Cocaine Road,” a driving, Texas Country-esque joyride. Now, after a few more albums under his belt, Bangs’ release this summer, What Are You Looking For? is a six-track EP released by Bangs, along with Jason Burt and Bobby Bedsole. The entire album was produced, mixed and mastered by Bangs and recorded at his home studio.  

The EP starts off with "I Want All Your Love" – a catchy, sing-along like tune that is pure rock n’ roll. It totally reminds me of a cross between Led Zeppelin, Ram Jam, Mungo Jerry – albeit harder edged – but mostly Zeppelin with some awesome backup singing. "Dancing in the Rain" is a “sexed up,” super bluesy tune about the “baddest” girl on the planet, who takes what she wants and doesn't apologize to anyone. If the song just had a bit of the deep, acoustic resonance it would be like hearing Bonham or Cindy Blackman on the skins). Bryce wrote this song with Keite Young of Medicine Man Revival who recently has writing credits with John Mayer and Leon Bridges for the new "Inside Friend" single. "Steel Crushes the Bone" is “the closest to Texas Country that I have ever sounded,” Bangs states. He also says it was mostly due to the pedal steel and rumbling chug beat from the guitar and, by the way, he wrote this one after a rough night in jail.  

"Midnight" has a dark and gritty vibe to it. This song is about wanting to make a change in your life for the better, but you keep reverting to your same old habits and crap over and over. Yep, I’m not a stranger to that. I really liked the dark, echoing sounds to this one as well, with its muffled bass drum and other percussion effects and Bangs’ sobering guitar riffs.

​The next tune is "Wildfire" – a mix of two stories about lying and deception. Bangs states that his sound is a bit like John Mayer mixed with Houndmouth – I tend to agree. The last track, which also happens to be the title to the EP is “What Are You Looking For?” – a haunting and emotionally dark emotional closer. With just guitar and background vocals Bangs lyrics reflect the people he’s known who have gone through depression and addiction, which unfortunately led to their death. Oh, and if you’re into fantastic guitar solos, don’t miss out on this one. 

If you like rock and blues, with touches of funk and pop, I’ll think you’ll enjoy Bryce Bangs’ What Are You Looking For?

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