Singles Spotlight:
Wide Orbit –
“Cough Drop (That’ll Cure My Cold Forever)”

Hello reader,

Hope that you’re well.

Today, we’re excited to introduce another artist who is making some great music: Wide Orbit. The Chicago-based band is just getting started but I have loved what I’ve heard so far beginning with the early singles off their debut album Introducing… Wide Orbit. The album was released Friday, September 5th off the 22TWENTY label. Ryan Tuohy fronts the band (guitar, vocals, songwriter), and is joined by Matt Boguslawski (percussion, vocals), Caleb Buie (drums, vocals), Zach Jackson (bass guitar), and Ethan Machamer (keyboards, vocals). 

This entire album reminds me of ’90s slacker pop in the best ways and it includes melodies that have a lot of jangles and gorgeous vocals. I have a soft spot for a lot of music including good ’90s slacker pop or rock such as Pavement, GBV, Built To Spill, Sebadoh, and the Silver Jews, etc. I can confirm that the Wide Orbit guys are doing their own thing, DIY style, not trying to copy any of those legendary acts, and the vibes that emanate while listening to Wide Orbits’ songs are immaculate so far. Their music features some lush harmonies that might become earworms for you as you listen. I know they did for me. And the lyrics have some depth that will separate the band from others.

Hear it from the band themselves. Their bio on their Bandcamp states, “Chicago’s Wide Orbit is a Midwest cough drop for the sore soul…Recorded in a cramped room by college-town friends, the band blends honesty, irreverence, and groove into a live-tracked, DIY American daydream—music made to be played loud and lived with.”

Giving credit where it’s due, the credits for their debut album:

• All Songs Written and Produced by Ryan Tuohy
• Performed by Wide Orbit at The Creek
• Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered by Ryan Tuohy
• Cover Artwork by Shravan Raghuram

Let’s delve deeper into the album, Introducing… Wide Orbit. After I listened several times, I think my that the best song and thus an excellent introduction to Wide Orbit is the song, “Cough Drop (That’ll Cure My Cold Forever).” So that’s the single that we’re going to spotlight today. I think the song has a lot going for it, a lovely beginning melodic build up accentuated by gorgeous vocal harmonies and keys, paired with vocals that grab a hold of your ears and take hold in the best ways, paired with some jangly, great guitar work and that’s the recipe to craft a fantastic song. One listen and I think you’ll agree. If you like what you hear, keep reading til the end and listen to other songs from Wide Orbit. Don’t let the mention of cough drops have you thinking of fall and winter in the Midwest, their songs are good year-round.

The collage video for the song, “Cough Drop (That’ll Cure My Cold Forever)” from Wide Orbit’s YouTube channel:

(All credits and rights to Wide Orbit)

The cover art for Introducing… Wide Orbit:

The tracklist for Introducing… Wide Orbit:

1. Press Play
2. Full of Feathers
3. He’s A Wizard
4. Soil
5. Centipede
6. What’s The Point
7. Soon
8. Good Morning
9. Buddy
10. Mechanic
11. Cough Drop (That’ll Cure My Cold Forever)
12. Feathers

Alex M Theel

Co-Founder, Reviewer, Content Creator, Business side, Editor at Scummy Water Tower Productions | Web

Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site, scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions and SWT Interviews. And all of our socials.
Questions, feedback, or more? Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com