The rising rock band, The Inside Out, visits Philadelphia’s The Grape Room tonight, as the band celebrates the release of their recently released new song, “Mr. Arrogant.”
Zach Stout and frontman James Howard worked together at Sam Ash back in 2019 and they partnered up to bring the project back to life. At the beginning of 2020, they were looking for a drummer, and Howard knew Andi Wright from Twitter, so they soon met up with her, and she kicked ass. Lastly, they had to find a bassist, and they found the last piece to their puzzle, John Landino, on Craigslist.
The band’s debut full-length album, No Brains, No Blood, was released last year and sounds completely different from the band’s recently released single, “Mr. Arrogant.” The song is reminiscent of indie/alternative bands like The Killers, Modest Mouse, or Manchester Orchestra.
“It was fun to gravitate towards something more sonically upbeat,” frontman James Howard begins. “The last record was really anxious and raw; it had a lot of emotion behind it. We collectively love the indie genre, so I would definitely say it wasn’t difficult to put out something different than what we have before.”
But how can changes in an artist’s music make the fanbases feel? “I think we’re still growing in our art as a band, and we love playing those heavier songs. They are not going anywhere. Realistically, I think it makes us more accessible and consumable to more people. That’s what matters most, that people can relate to the music and find something they like.”
James began writing No Brains, No Blood, in 2019, but because of the pandemic, it was put on hold. He wrote about growing from past mistakes, relationships, and friendships. “It touches on the struggle within yourself, and I hope listeners find some company in the fact that you can make it out on the other end,” he says.
The highest-streamed song by the band is a single titled “Teeth” and it blends the heavy rock of No Brains, No Blood, and the sound behind their single, “Mr. Arrogant.” It’s one of the band’s favorite tracks to perform live.
“When we recorded that song, we actually didn’t have a bass player yet. The original idea was for myself on drums and Zach on bass. We showed Andi the idea and she dug it and made the drums ten times better. We actually tracked it completely at Zach’s apartment with crappy gear and didn’t really overthink it,” James divulges. “I think our new songs pretty much all hit the same mark. It’s important to have purpose, but not get too lost in it.”
Both the single and album were recorded at Black Barrel Records, the band’s home away from home. Probably the most important difference with No Brains, No Blood., is that he wrote it almost entirely himself. With the single, and most of the songs off their upcoming album, Road Trip, he says, he’s only really been a piece of the writing and it’s been great. Now, when he brings an idea to the table, it’s exciting to see what they all turn it into.
The Inside Out is expected to perform at Philadelphia’s The Grape Room this evening Friday, October 20th. “This is going to be such an exciting show! I will say you’re going to love the new music. It probably won’t be out until the beginning of next year, so get to the gig. If you’re into ‘Mr. Arrogant,’ it’s really just the beginning of our new sound, and the rest will for sure also have you moving around.”
If you are someone who hasn’t been to one of the band’s shows before you definitely have to come out. The Inside Out is similar to bands who are bands “who are grinding it out at local band shows, and basement venues, just trying to get our sound out there. We play loud, dance-y, rock music,” James explains excitedly. “Fans, family, and friends are what changes the above. We can’t get there without your help Get to the get gig and find out we’re one of your new favorites!”
