Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 08/01/2025
The Clydes believe songs should jump out of the speakers the second you press play. On their new EP, Everything’s Not Dark, the veteran New Jersey alt-pop-rockers double down on the power of precision.
“It’s the art of not wasting a note or a moment,” guitarist Brian Johnson says.
The band’s new EP, on Mint 400 Records, is a three-song collection — a trio of tracks The Clydes rank among the very best they’ve created in their 15 years together. "Sleeping On The Side Of Your Head" hits you with a big guitar riff before hitting you again with a big chorus and then with a big synth interlude. It's all about pressing on in the face of darkness. "This Is The Night Shift" explodes with an incessant mix of new wave meets Britpop. It's about fighting through an anxious night.
The group, anchored by brothers Brent and Brian Johnson and bassist Andrew Orlando, released those two as singles in recent months. Now, they’ve put them together with a new track — "Soak On." That one starts with a cinematic burst of guitar chords and Mellotron.
Guitarist Brian, younger Johnson brother, came up with the music for "Soak On". He explains the inspiration behind the music. "Some of my favorite songs sound great on acoustic guitars or on cranked amplifiers. This is one of those. I wrote this on my Gibson Hummingbird, and it always sounded like it could stand on its own with only an acoustic. Then in band rehearsals, some of the Marshall amps were on full blast. The result is a sonic sound that is hard to create without those dynamics.”
Brent Johnson, the singer and eldest Johnson brother, talks about the melody and lyrics he then added. "The music Brian gave me sounded like hope floating. So I wrote about trying to soak in all the pressure life heaves at you and moving on instead of letting it drag you down. Sometimes that’s the only thing you can do."
“We also wrote it during the COVID pandemic, so everything was a little anxious, whether you wanted it to be or not. This song was kind of deep breath and a release.”
Just like the other two singles, Brent and Brian finished the arrangement for "Soak On" with bassist Orlando and longtime Jersey drummer Zakk Ekomomidis. They recorded all three tracks with producer Adam Vaccarelli at Retromedia Sound Studios in Red Bank, New Jersey.
Brent says it wasn’t designed this way, but the songs ended up being tied together by a theme — one represented in the EP’s title.
“Even if it seems the opposite sometimes, not everything is dark,” he says. “There’s always at least a little light.”
The EP is The Clydes’ fifth release with Mint 400, the Jersey indie label run by singer-songwriter-producer-artist Neil Sabatino.
They’ve released these three singles step by step as a precursor to a new full-length album they’re writing and recording. That will be out in the coming months.
Until then, soak in and soak on with Everything's Not Dark ...
EVENT PREVIEWS
Cape May Point Arts and Science Center presents Grammy-Nominated Blues artist Guy Davis on June 24th
(CAPE MAY POINT, NJ) -- On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, musician, storyteller and two-time Grammy Nominee for Best Traditional Blues, Guy Davis, will perform at The Cape May Point Arts and Science Center.
Harmonium Choral Society to have France Tour Send-Off Concert on June 24th
(MADISON, NJ) -- Come hear the joyful and varied repertoire 42 singers from Harmonium Choral Society will take on tour to France on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Grace Church (4 Madison Ave) in Madison. Music ranges from Bruckner to Billings and Bernstein, Rosephanye Powell, Elizabeth Alexander, Lucy Cook, Mark Miller and more! The concert is free; donations at the door are welcome. The church is accessible, air-conditioned, and has ample parking. Showtime is 7:00pm.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Eric Johanson on Thursday
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents New Orleans–based Eric Johanson on Thursday, June 25, 2026. He blends sharp songwriting with a deep connection to the guitar, creating music that's dynamic, soulful, and rooted in a mix of rock, blues, and modern influences. Doors are at 7:00pm, showtime is 7:30pm.
American Theater Group and Union Arts Center present Katerina McCrimmon: Naked Concert on June 26th
(UNION, NJ) -- American Theater Group (ATG), in partnership with the Union Arts Center, will present Katerina McCrimmon's acclaimed solo concert, Naked, which has played to sold-out audiences across the country, including at Joe's Pub and Lincoln Center. Directed by Henry Gainza, it will come to the DMK Black Box Theater at the Union Arts Center for one performance only, on Fri.day, June 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
MPAC presents Straight No Chaser on June 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- A cappella favorite Straight No Chaser brings its summer-themed Beach Bash to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 8:00pm. Tickets range from $57-$114 (All fees included).
Asbury Lanes presents Matthew Curry and Erik Mason Band on June 26th
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matthew Curry sets off on his 2026 Spring/Summer "One For The Ride" Tour (named for his new Ruf Records album release) with a performance at Asbury Lanes on Friday, June 26, 2026. Erik Mason Band will open the night. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Starland Ballroom presents The Cab
(SAYREVILLE, NJ) -- Starland Ballroom presents The Cab on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. Paradise Fears and CARR will open the night.
The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The The Band Band presents The Last Walz Celebration 50th Anniversary 2026 Tour at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Doors are at 7:00pm; showtime is 8:00pm.
Brian Ostering presents The Elvis Spectacular at Middletown Arts Center on June 27th
(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- Jersey Shore musician Brian Ostering from The Wag is stepping out of his comfort zone with The Elvis Spectacular - "The Early Years" Concert on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Middletown Arts Center. This is the first time he has performed an Elvis show and it's a tribute to his father who helped pass down his passion for Elvis to Brian. I reached out to Brian to learn more about the show.
Asbury Underground returns June 27th as part of North to Shore Festival
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Underground returns on June 27, 2026 as part of the North to Shore Festival and there's a terrific lineup of artists again. Performances take place at venues throughout Asbury Park.
FEATURED EVENTS
