Written by Jayme Stewart
Gas Station Rebate is a trio from Virginia, who has been inspired by the local scene in the area, using that to produce their single "Afraid of the Dark." This single opens with a track that sounds like it could be from a coming of age movie; it has a certain groove and emotion to it that evokes a feeling inside of the listener that draws them in from the start.
The song is about the emotions, fear and anger, mainly, that can come from having a bad ex, and that definitely shows in the lyrics as well as the passion in the singing. The lyrics are well-written and are laced with emotion and underlying anger in the delivery that pairs well.
This mix combines to portray the fearful yet angry aura that the group is going for. The instrumental adds a very interesting element to the song because it also helps build up the emotion, especially that anger.
At moments where the song gets angrier lyrically, the track does as well, making the listeners step back and fully pay attention to the story that is being told. This group has been able to pull together influences from multiple genres including punk, indie, alternative rock, and a bit of grunge in order to give this single a one-of-a-kind style.
These influences can be found from more heavy alternative loud vocals to ones that are more in a punk style in means of flow. This single is one that is especially interesting to listen to because it is not living in a defined genre.
There are so many different influences going on at once and it really shows how music can be something so unique, which Gas Station Rebate proves on "Afraid of the Dark." Overall, this group is one that people should definitely keep an eye on.
They are a wonderful example of the hidden beauty that can be found in smaller bands and they definitely have shown that they should have more ears listening to their music. Fans of Skating Polly and The Cranberries would especially love this song and band.
You can stream "Afraid of the Dark" wherever you listen to music, along with the band's first single "Responsibility." You can keep up with the band by following them on Twitter @GastationRebate.
Have you checked out Gas Station Rebate? Let us know what you think by tweeting us @lgndsoftmrw!