2022 produced some interesting guitar-powered alternative pop/rock, but if you are following the underground at the start of this new year, there’s a good chance you will hear – at one point or another – a little of The One Tonic’s new single “We Can’t Fail,” as it undeniably got a lot of buzz-worthy attention ahead of its official release date. In “We Can’t Fail,” The One Tonic submits to audiences as a band more focused on tonality than muscularity, with melodies leading the way instead of basslines and sonic dalliances that have become all too common in rock n’ roll over the last few years. Leader Matt Soren’s efforts prove to be vital in this track, as they produce what is perhaps best described as one of the more adept hybrids available to listeners this January 19th.
This master mix makes the flow of the music much smoother than it likely would have been, tying together the rougher edges of the melody without ever disturbing the natural harmonies resting atop the beat. The seamless feel of “We Can’t Fail” definitely makes the song sound as authentic as a live performance would, and judging from its overall stylization, it was probably designed to take on an even greater life on the stage than it ever could in the recording studio. The One Tonic has the essence of a proper band rather than a cosmetic solo project for one artist and one artist alone, and with regards to embodying the spirit of punk rock’s artsier side, a side which too many artists have abandoned in my opinion, “We Can’t Fail” might be the best example of any contemporary underground acts showing respect for the stylistic forerunners to have preceded them.
The bass part in this track is seemingly tucked beneath the drums but it still makes a noticeable impression on the chemistry between the vocals and the other elements of instrumentation. The equalization on the bottom end of this song is heavily scooped, as one would expect to hear in a much heavier rock single than this one, but this doesn’t ruin the fluidity of the harmonies at all. By scooping the bass tone here, it makes the verse more in sync with the guitar, allowing us to embrace the textures of the instrumentation while never losing the lyrical narrative presented by the voice beneath the fuzz.
The One Tonic is one of the more intriguing acts in their scene, and after listening to this latest single, I’m very eager to hear what they’re going to develop in the studio next. They’re in an experimental phase of their sound, but with a bit more compositional discipline and harmonies as powerful as those heard in “We Can’t Fail,” they’re going to get all of the fame they deserve. There aren’t very many serious rock groups straddling the line between influences with as much ease as these players are, but that notwithstanding, their sound would still stand out as a rare treat you should seek out in 2023.
Chadwick Easton