Chicago indie rock outfit Getting Started wastes no time making a statement with pistonspeak, the band’s first release of 2026 and the opening chapter of what promises to be an exciting sophomore era. Emotional, energetic, and confidently executed, the single captures a group operating with the kind of chemistry that only comes from years of shared experience and creative growth.
From the opening moments, pistonspeak feels purposeful. The song balances vulnerability and momentum with impressive precision, pairing introspective lyricism with soaring guitars, dynamic rhythms, and an undeniable sense of urgency. It’s the kind of track that feels equally suited for solitary late-night listening or screaming along with a packed crowd in a sweaty club. What immediately stands out is how cohesive the band sounds. Jack Gallo’s vocal performance anchors the song with conviction and emotional clarity, while Eddie O’Connor’s piano work adds depth and texture beneath the driving guitars of Matt Stein. Pat Hickey’s bass lines and Jack Scanlon’s drumming provide a powerful rhythmic foundation, pushing the song forward without ever overshadowing its emotional core. Getting Started continues to refine the strengths that have made them one of Chicago’s most promising emerging indie rock acts. The band blends modern indie sensibilities with the timeless appeal of guitar-driven rock, creating a sound that feels both current and familiar. There are shades of contemporary indie’s emotional openness alongside the anthemic energy that defined alternative rock’s most memorable moments. The track’s greatest success lies in its balance. pistonspeak never becomes overly polished or calculated. Instead, it retains the raw emotional charge that has become central to the band’s identity. The melodic builds feel earned, the instrumentation feels organic, and the songwriting leaves room for listeners to bring their own experiences into the music. As the first glimpse into the band’s next chapter following their 2025 self-titled debut album, pistonspeak suggests a group that has grown more confident without sacrificing authenticity. There’s a noticeable maturity in both the songwriting and performance, yet the sense of youthful ambition remains intact.
Getting Started has built a reputation through emotionally driven songs and energetic live performances, and this release further solidifies their trajectory. More importantly, it feels like a band discovering exactly who they want to be. The result is a song that not only works as a standalone single but also creates genuine anticipation for what comes next. If pistonspeak is any indication of where Getting Started is headed, their sophomore project could mark a significant breakthrough moment. Getting Started is a Chicago-based indie rock band known for blending emotionally charged songwriting with dynamic, guitar-driven arrangements. Consisting of Jack Gallo, Eddie O’Connor, Matt Stein, Pat Hickey, and Jack Scanlon, the group has steadily built a growing audience through energetic live shows, heartfelt lyrics, and a catalog that captures the highs and lows of ambition, growth, and self-discovery. Following the release of their self-titled debut album in 2025, the band continues to expand its reach while refining a sound that combines modern indie energy with classic rock urgency.
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With “pistonspeak,” Getting Started delivers a compelling introduction to its next creative chapter—one built on stronger songwriting, tighter performances, and the confidence of a band beginning to fully realize its potential.