For Los-Angeles based band The Active Set, change is something that all the members have proved they adjust well to. Being formed off of the basis that singer and guitarist Matthew Stolarz was fed up with being tossed in the perpetual cycle of playing in other people’s bands, Stolarz teamed up with drummer Gabriel Grinta and bassist Alen Racedo to form the punk and new wave-driven three piece. Along with producer Jason LaRocca, the band began the groundwork for their first EP, simultaneously becoming regulars in the L.A. music scene, eventually touring alongside Neon Trees and AWOL Nation. Their debut full length, 11, was extremely well received and was praised by the L.A. Times, praising them specifically for their “eclecticism.”
This time around, The Active Set treats us to “Long Long Time”– a mid-tempo track about not allowing someone to be with you. Regarding the content, Stolarz explained, “This is the dreamier, more orchestrated side of The Active Set. Almost complete, the entirety of the lyrics and melody were changed to better fit the detachment of the song, inspired by the laid back alt-crooning of Julian Casablancas and Jarvis Cocker.” With a bellowing, synth-filled chorus and refreshingly honest lyrics, this song has proven itself widely relatable. “Few things get as violently complicated as crossing romantic lines that shouldn’t be crossed, and seeing the disparate expectations of the parties involved come to light.”
The Active Set has paved a new road for themselves, after years of living in the background shadows of others.
The Active Set will release their new EP Everything Changes on November 18. The EP is available to pre-order now via Bandcamp.
