Illinois Joy, a Chicago-based band, has just dropped their self-titled EP, and it’s a must-listen, especially the opening track, “Yours To Lose.” If you’re looking for your next favorite folk tune, this might just be it.
“Yours To Lose” is inspired by Charlie Bucket from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and comes with the intriguing tagline: “What happened to the man who got everything he ever wanted?” But don’t worry, even if you’re not a trivia buff, this song will hit you right in the feels. It starts off raw, with an acoustic guitar that feels like a rumbling freight train. Then, the vocals kick in, gritty and raspy, reminiscent of artists like Caamp and The Lumineers—effortless, authentic folk that you can’t fake.
Soon enough, the full band joins in, with the tight, warm combination of kick drum and bass propelling the track forward. Vocal harmonies soar through the “let it roll/ let it fall” lines, and the production quality is top-notch, easily rivaling what you’d hear on the radio. The song showcases their knack for dynamics, with clear shifts between verses and choruses, but just when you think you’ve got it figured out, the final third hits you with a jaw-dropping twist.
While “Yours To Lose” starts as a folk track, by the end, it’s transformed into something that can stand toe-to-toe with your favorite indie rock anthems.