Release Date: January 21, 2022 Genre: Ska Punk, Pop Punk Label: Independent The Baltimore-based ska-punk/alternative rock band Stacked Like Pancakes has returned with their first new track in three years, So Close Yet So Far." Stacked Like Pancakes -made up of vocalist/guitarist Kellen McKay, guitarist/backing vocalist Steve Shriane, and bassist/backing vocalist Nick Linder- wrote the single at the height of the pandemic as an anthem for a return to normalcy. Being a full-blown ska track, "So Close Yet So Far" features a mighty brass section with additional musicians featured on the track. The trumpet was performed by Alex Serio, trombone by Kristin Monroe, and saxophone by Tommy Turcovsky. Furthermore, "So Close Yet So Far" was produced by Eric Taft (Less Than Jake, The Amity Affliction, Plain White T's) at Buzzlounge Studios.
"I went back to my ska roots with this one, and I don't know how else to explain it besides that it feels very right," shares frontman Kellen McKay. "The further I got into writing 'So Close Yet So Far,' the more fun I had. I can't wait to perform it live!"
Musically and lyrically, "So Close Yet So Far" puts a positive upbeat spin on the global pandemic. As aforementioned, the single was written during the height of the pandemic and details the band's outlook at returning to their good ol' regular life. The band has proven in the past they don't allow any genre to hold them back with the incorporation of varying styles. However, on their new single, the band returns to their roots with a solid, fast-paced, fun pop-punk focused number that's riddled with inklings of their ska roots. "So Close Yet So Far" features an insatiable chorus, that paired with the song's punchy guitars and stunning brass section, leaves itself borrowed in your brain like a parasite.
"To me this song screams 'wanting to break out of a shell.' Recording the song was a great process," continues guitarist Steve Shriane. While bassist Nick Linder adds: "This is my favorite Stacked Like Pancakes song, hands down. It was my honor to be on the recording."
Stacked Like Pancakes was formed in 2007 and took inspiration from an assortment of artists such as Reel Big Fish, Less Than Jake, Blink-182, Green Day, twenty one pilots, and many more artists from all different kinds of genres. The three-piece ska-punk band embodies and runs on a strong DIY ethic, despite what the band says is a meaningless band name, with several self-booked headlining tours and three successful fully crowdfunded albums under their belt. Their most recent album, Strange Creatures (2019), raised well over $100,000 and led them to work with the multi-platinum music producer Matt Squire. The band also doesn't allow their genre to define them, even opening for Kid Cudi at Towson University's Tigerfest in 2012. Additionally, in 2014, the band won the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands competition, earning them a luxurious spot on the Vans Warped Tour. Which later led the band to their first-ever nationwide tour of the United States with their long-time idols Reel Big Fish two years later. Be sure to stream "So Close Yet So Far," out now wherever you stream your music!