Arcy Drive – Rocket Chair (Single Review)

“Rocket Chair” by Arcy Drive is one of those rare songs that feels both fresh and familiar, like stumbling upon a childhood memory you didn’t know you had. From the very first strum of the guitar, the track evokes the shimmering, slightly psychedelic tones of Spacehog’s “In the Meantime,” with that same dreamy, but driven atmosphere that immediately pulls you in. It sets the stage for a song that plays out like a summer daydream, equal parts nostalgia and motion.

The guitar work on “Rocket Chair” has a subtle emotional complexity that brings to mind Radiohead, particularly in its more tender moments. The melodic structure has a restraint and sadness, like it’s trying to say something deeper without being too direct. But unlike Radiohead’s often melancholy or cerebral mood, Arcy Drive infuses that emotional weight with a sunnier disposition. It’s like if Radiohead packed up their gear, hit the road, and decided to write music under a golden sky instead of grey clouds.

When the drums come in, they come in hot, injecting the song with a palpable burst of energy. It’s that satisfying moment of lift-off, like a kite finally catching the wind. There’s something distinctly Midwest emo about it too, not in the sense of being brooding or angsty, but in the way it captures youthful longing and release through dynamic shifts and passionate delivery. The rhythm section drives the track with an urgency that keeps your foot tapping and your heart racing just a little faster.

Vocally, the frontman carries this tune with an emotional punch. You can hear what I suspect is the Radiohead influence in the way he sings, but there’s a raw power in his voice that feels more rooted in the indie rock or even garage rock scene. He’s not just performing, he’s belting with purpose, pulling the weight of the lyrics into the sunlight rather than the shadows.

There’s also a clear kinship with modern indie acts like The Backseat Lovers, that same blend of youthful abandon, poetic storytelling, and rock ‘n’ roll heart. But Arcy Drive carves out their own lane with “Rocket Chair.” It’s not just another indie track, it’s the track you want blasting from your car stereo with the windows down, your arm out the window, and nowhere to be but wherever the road leads.

At its core, “Rocket Chair” is a song made for movement. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a summer road trip, both emotional and euphoric. It captures a mood that’s hard to put into words: wistful but joyful, thoughtful but alive. It’s music for being young, for remembering what it felt like to be young, or for pretending you still are.

SCORE/Excellent: If you haven’t listened to Arcy Drive yet, “Rocket Chair” is the ideal place to start. Just make sure you’ve got the sun on your face and the wind in your hair, because this song was born to be heard in motion.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]