Ontario, Canada-based alternative rock act Bad Reed released its debut self-titled EP in mid-2015 and the band members haven’t looked back since then, touring in support of the EP and creating its follow-up, debut album Sweet Little Bitter, which is expected to hit in early 2017.
Sydney Sollazzo (vocals, keyboards), Graham Walker (guitar, effects), Austin Sharpe (bass), and Costa Chatzis (percussion) come from different towns and have different musical backgrounds, but as Bad Reed they form a united entity that blends elements from the alternative, psychedelic, and funk/R&B genres.
Relationship-themed lead single “Stained Glass” is a lively stew of funk and classic rock, jumpin’ with a rubbery bass groove, quickly ticking drum sticks, sharply sliced guitar lines, and a rapidly tripping drum beat. Sollazzo powers through the track, exclaiming with passion at every turn, crying out, “…disagreement with you / isn’t reason for me to be / unworth your time.”
For a brief moment near its end, “Stained Glass” gets slower and heavier, full of vocal reflection and hazier psych-rock vibes. That drifting mindstate is swiftly dismissed, however, and the dynamic rhythms and Sollazzo’s vivid vocals return with a vengeance.
The video for “Stained Glass” was filmed and edited by KingsWorth Films.