Easy Pass: The Unstoppable Force of Indie Rock

Easy Pass is an American indie rock band known for their energetic live shows and hook-laden guitar anthems. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, the group achieved mainstream success with their platinum-certified second album, "Signal Fade," which debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Early career

Formed in 2010 by vocalist/guitarist Leo Vance and drummer Sam Ruiz, Easy Pass cut their teeth in the vibrant DIY scene of Chicago's underground venues. Their self-released 2012 EP, "Static Coast," garnered local buzz and led to a signing with independent label Friction Records the following year.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2016 with the release of their sophomore album, "Signal Fade." Propelled by relentless touring and sharp songwriting, the album's lead single became an unexpected alternative radio hit. "Signal Fade" was certified platinum in the United States and spent 42 consecutive weeks on the Billboard album chart.

Key tracks

Halfway Home — This breakthrough single dominated alternative rock radio for months and became the band's first gold-certified track.

Fault Lines — A fan-favorite album cut known for its dynamic shifts that became a staple of their explosive concert setlists.

Clear View — Featured in several major television soundtracks, this track significantly expanded the band's audience beyond the rock sphere.

Signal Fade — The ambitious title track showcased the band's growing production ambition and lyrical depth.

Following their breakthrough, Easy Pass headlined major festivals and collaborated with producer John Congleton on their 2019 album "Echo Logic." While not matching the commercial peak of its predecessor, the record debuted at number 8 and was praised for its raw, textured sound. The band has since collaborated with artists like Julien Baker and contributed to various charity compilation albums, maintaining a steady presence on the rock circuit.

Listeners who enjoy Easy Pass often find common ground with the melodic intensity of The National. Their guitar-driven urgency shares a lineage with Jimmy Eat World. The anthemic, heartland rock quality in their music echoes later work by The Gaslight Anthem. For a similar blend of indie rock energy and pop sensibility, explore Alvvays.

The music of Easy Pass maintains a strong rotation across a wide spectrum of rock radio formats. Their hits are fixtures on alternative rock radio stations, while their deeper album cuts receive regular play on independent music radio stations and online rock radio streams dedicated to guitar-driven music.

You can hear the powerful indie rock of Easy Pass on numerous radio stations featured right here on our website. Discover their discography and listen to their latest tracks through the curated rock and alternative stations available on onairium.com.