Expanding on their indie rock and pop-punk sound, HHS alumni Franko Teston (2019) and Jake Evans (2019) and Garrett Phillips, are set to release their third single April 5, “Running Bets (Dead Wrong),” a welcomed track that offers a more complex song structure than their previous two singles while also retaining the familiar and warm tones of their sound. The tracks are available to stream on both Apple Music and Spotify.
Where “Tuck Tail, Run!” and “Therapy” kick off with slower and more stripped beginnings, their newest single pulls no punches. It introduces heavy, plucked bass and thick, distorted guitars before bursting into a chorus filled with punchy and powerful harmonies that linger with a slight tinge of reverb.
The track is brimming with energy, driven not only by peppy drums that propel the song forward but also by specific moments such as the smooth yet distortion-heavy guitar solo and the bridge section where the whole group crescendos with a cheer, reminiscent of the electric experience of the wave that concertgoers feel. The ending echoes the word “hate” and concludes as swiftly as it begins, leaving listeners to long for more.
While influences like Green Day and My Chemical Romance, especially their songs “Basket Case” and “Thank You for the Venom,” respectively, can be traced through their singles, the band demonstrates their ability to draw from other sources, both old and new, putting their own twist on the sounds of rock. A prime example is their second single, “Therapy,” which echoes The Police’s “Every Breath You Take,” but the audience is propelled with energy rather than just slow dancing.
Furthermore, the more complex song structure of “Running Bets (Dead Wrong),” featuring a bridge similar to the chorus of “Say It Ain’t So” by Weezer, showcases the band’s ability to create a mature and interesting track.
The cover art of their currently released singles, slightly reminiscent of the band Black Country, New Road’s cover art, offers a nostalgic feel—a perfect parallel to their sound, which primarily explores themes of lost love, confusion, and angst—relatable experiences listeners can resonate with. The Polaroid pictures Teston uses provide a snapshot-in-time feel, inviting listeners to see exactly what the artist experienced.
Overall, Franko Teston’s track is certainly not one to be missed. Its creators tastefully and seemingly effortlessly utilize their influences, allowing any listener, regardless of their taste, to have an enjoyable and exciting experience.
