My Troubled Days didn’t come here to play nice. They came to pour bourbon in your glass, set your heart on fire, and remind you that rock still has guts. The Burning Clock Part 1, their latest EP, drops December 12, 2024, and it’s a moody little masterpiece. Five tracks, no filler. The vibe? Grungy yet polished, nostalgic but forward-thinking. Think Matchbox Twenty—if they’d traded polished alt-pop for darker, blues-soaked soul.
The opener, “Endless,” is a statement. Laid-back yet smoldering, it pulls you in with its bluesy guitar riffs and effortless vocals. You can almost feel the cigarette smoke hanging in the air. The rhythm section keeps it grounded, while a slow-burning grunge aesthetic gives it edge. It’s got that Rob Thomas energy but dipped in Detroit grit.
SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/d-w-elliott/sets/the-burning-clock-part-1?si=1c9fd1531eef4a7294dac12c2abb519a&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
“Crybaby (Daydreams)” flips the mood. It’s bouncy and moody at the same time, balancing light and dark like a tightrope walker. There’s a dreamlike quality to it, but it doesn’t get lost in the clouds. The vocals—strong and sensual—lead you through, like someone pulling you toward the dance floor in a half-lit bar.
By track three, “Always This Way (Broken Slowly),” the EP takes a softer turn. It’s the ballad, but not the cheesy kind. There’s tenderness here, but it’s layered with heartbreak. The guitar work is subtle, almost like a whispered conversation, while the vocals bare their soul. It’s raw, but not unpolished.
Then comes “No Chains (Temptation).” This one leans psychedelic. A little trippy, a little groovy, with a swirling, hypnotic vibe that feels almost out of time. It’s like 60s rock collided with 90s alt. The result is haunting and lush, with enough edge to keep you grounded.
The closer, “Highbeams (Time To Go),” ends the EP on a high note. It’s sassy, spacy, and just a touch sleazy. Perfect for last call in your favorite dive bar. The guitars sparkle, the vocals soar, and the rhythm section hits you right in the chest. It’s equal parts swagger and goodbye, a perfect way to tie things up.
APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-burning-clock-pt-1-remastered-ep/1678406751
Musically, My Troubled Days wears their influences proudly—classic rock, Motown, 90s alt—but they don’t feel like copycats. They’ve taken the best bits and made them their own. The production is sharp but not sterile, thanks to the band’s DIY ethos and mentorship from Jordan Valeriotte. Every track feels intentional, layered with unexpected twists and turns that demand a second (or third, or more) listen.
Are they reinventing the wheel? No. But they’re making it roll like hell. The Burning Clock Part 1 is for those who like their music with soul and bite. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s damn good.
So, pour that bourbon. Let it burn. This one’s worth your time.
Mindy McCall
