"Classic Traffic" is a funny thing to name your band, especially if Steve Winwood is not involved in any way. As far as we can tell, Winwood has zero involvement in the New Jersey DIY power pop trio Classic Traffic, who haven't been around for long but who have already built up a solid discography. The formed in 2022, and they have three full-length albums and one collaborative covers EP to their name. This fall, they'll release album number four, which is called Real Music — a funny thing to name your album.
Classic Traffic's sound is a revved-up take on old-school hair-shaking '70s power pop, with big riffs and hooks and harmonies. If you are into Liquid Mike, which everyone regularly reading this website correctly seems to be, then you will probably find something to like here. The band has an unconventional way of doing things, with drummer Dante Fotino writing all the lyrics that singer/guitarist Andy Altadonna belts out. Also, Classic Traffic have a bassist who goes by the name Dogmeat, and he seems to be very good at giving press release quotes. Let's see what Dogmeat has to say:
So much shit is just bullshit. Real music blows your dick back. I know bands are shy about liking their own music, but what’s the point in that? I think our music is fucking awesome.
I like this Dogmeat character already. Nick Heitman and Beven Barnhart directed Classic Traffic's lo-res video for "My Rage," the revved-up opening track from Real Music. The song is an energetic, catchy rocker that might, under the right circumstances, blow your dick back. Check it out below, along with the Real Music tracklist and the band's tour dates.
TRACKLIST:
01 "My Rage"
02 "There With You"
03 "Wanna Wish"
04 "Ballad Of The Storm Shelter\"
05 "Ghost's Host"
06 "It Leaves Your Mind"
07 "Running Joke"
08 "Sorry Songs"
TOUR DATES:
10/09 - Long Branch, NJ @ The Pop Club
10/10 - Philadelphia, PA @ Ruba Club
10/15 - Alexandria, VA @ Galactic Panther
10/16 - Long Island, NY @ Harrison House
10/17 - Baltimore, MD @ Wax Atlas
Real Music is out 10/9 on Same View. Pre-order it here.
