A looming behemoth outfitted with an eclectic sound and alternative style lurks on the northern edge of Indianapolis. Going by the name 40LOVE, this band has been making a name for themselves around the indie stages and festival grounds of central Indiana for some time now, but who is 40LOVE? From where do their infectious hooks and awe-inspiring rhythms spring forth? 

40LOVE began, as bands so often do, as a cover band. This is where 40LOVE founders Garrett Phillips, Jared Poston, and Christian Flores first met, demolishing covers around the Shelbyville area. Soon enough, playing the tunes of others no longer satisfied, and so these three formed 40LOVE with the intention of producing some original tracks. In need of a drummer, Phillips’ friend Harrison joined up to fill the gap. He would remain with the band for only a short period, as, despite playing on the band’s debut album, “Awakening,” he was soon to move away to the distant fabled land of Tennessee. The loss would be short-lived; however, as soon one Sam Sherman would be enlisted to beat the skins. A second guitarist, Mr. Franko Teston, was then brought on to fill out the sound, and finally we had our band; 40LOVE was whole.

If you have yet to catch 40LOVE live and find yourself curious about their alleged hypnotic rock stylings, you need look no further for evidence than the previously mentioned “Awakening.” In the most broad sense what we have here is an alternative album. It’s rock music, that’s for certain, but beyond that it can be difficult to pigeonhole it into a set genre. You have two sets of ravenous guitars lashing at each other like rabid grizzlies warring over a fishing hole, melodic keys that entrance and mesmerize, a rhythm section which is bouncy and funky, demanding you stomp your feet to the beat, and a vocal performance which comes second to none. How would I describe the sound? It’s bouncy, a little jazzy, but gritty with a razor-sharp edge, which slits right through any misconceptions of this being another run-of-the-mill garage-rock record. “Awakening” is an LP that elicits dreamy excitement; it’s like standing beside a car fire on a frigid winter’s night, chaotic and wild yet bringing with it a warm comfort which makes it impossible to turn away. 

If you find yourself in or around the greater Indianapolis area, then 40LOVE is an act you cannot afford to miss. You can find these spellbinding troubadours playing Music2Heal in Zionsville on October 3rd, Cornstock in Muncie on October 16th, and shaking the walls of the Healer right here in the heart of Indianapolis on October 21st. While you wait for these dates to approach, you can always find “Awakening” streaming wherever it is you get your music. Plug in, let loose, and get down on this groovy company of alt-rock legends today, before they go shattering our perspectives of what rock ‘n’ roll can be once again.