Anyone who ever claimed that “Rock Is Dead” never took the time to look for a pulse and will sorely miss the searing guitars and gritty emotional lyrics that Stealing Handshakes have delivered. The self-titled debut from the Pampa, Texas four-piece brings the power of classic rock mixed with darker shades of 90s alternative across 6 tracks that leave the listener wanting more.
Released April 24, Stealing Handshakes’ debut EP is a towering first outing and begs the question: Which came first? The rhyme or the riff? Stealing Handshakes unapologetically showcases their talent for anthemic writing along with driving arrangements and soaring guitar solos. Harkening back to a time when you could only preview a new album by listening to a CD that was sealed in a player and mounted on a record store’s wall, every track had to be a gem. It is clear that Stealing Handshakes took this history to heart and allowed zero space for filler.
As the first band signed to the newly minted Resolute Recordings, Stealing Handshakes bear the weight of being a flagship act and do so without breaking a sweat. Not to be pigeon-holed as another guitar-rock band, Stealing Handshakes demonstrate their prowess with building strong melodies that act in perfect opposition to the grit-rich lead vocals that are scratched with lived experience. If Panhandle Rock isn’t a genre, then Stealing Handshakes are the first to claim the title as their sound shows hints of outlaw country swagger and a bluesy slickness that is characteristically red dirt Americana.
The EP captures the crackling intensity of the band’s live presence that is emotionally charged and energetically delivered. Underneath the layer of studio polish is a band made up of more rugged, sturdy material. It is undeniable that the songs translate seamlessly into studio tracks because of the time they have been performed live. Stealing Handshakes sound like a band that started in a basement, formed in a garage, tempered in dive bars, and are ready to take on any stage they step onto next.
Every track feels like it was written for the band as much as it was written for the fans. Stealing Handshakes pay attention to crafting earworm hooks and sing-a-ling segments that are shared with the audience. Songs like “Ellipsis” and “Sooner or Later” feel like they are purposely written to be sung back and forth with a rowdy night crowd.
Built on the steadfast pillars of 90s alternative and classic rock, Stealing Handshakes have already confidently found their own unique sound that is rooted in the past while looking boldly into the future. Their debut EP is an emotive and densely curated first release that lets the world know just who the hell Stealing Handshakes are and what they’re capable of.
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Bio:
Formed in April 2021, Stealing Handshakes is a four-piece alternative rock band hailing from Pampa, Texas—emerging from the heart of red dirt country with a sound rooted firmly in the spirit of ’90s alternative. Blending the grit and melody reminiscent of Foo Fighters, Soundgarden, and Counting Crows, the band delivers a modern edge while staying true to the genre’s emotional core.
