Those Days: The Heartland Rock Revivalists

Those Days is an American heartland rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio, known for their anthemic guitar-driven sound and blue-collar lyrical themes. Their major-label debut album, 'The Long Road Home,' charted on the Billboard 200 and spawned several rock radio hits that defined their career.

Early career

The band was formed in 2012 by vocalist/guitarist Sam Walker and lead guitarist Mike Corbin, who began writing songs together while working construction jobs. Their self-released EP, 'Midwest Echoes' (2014), gained traction on local college radio and led to a signing with the independent label Rustbelt Records in 2015.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the release of their first full-length album, 'The Long Road Home,' on Rustbelt Records. The album's lead single, "Steel Town Saturday Night," became a staple on rock radio, propelling the album to number 87 on the Billboard 200 and earning a gold certification for over 500,000 units sold.

Key tracks

Steel Town Saturday Night — This breakthrough single captured the band's heartland rock ethos and became their first top 10 hit on the Mainstream Rock charts.

The Long Road Home — The album's title track showcased their knack for soaring melodies and narrative songwriting, solidifying their core audience.

Rust and Revival — A later single that demonstrated a grittier, more mature sound and received heavy rotation on alternative rock radio stations.

Bridges to Burn — This collaboration with fellow rocker Liza Vance became a highlight of their live set and expanded their reach.

Following their initial success, Those Days toured extensively and released their sophomore album, 'Against the Grain,' in 2020. The album debuted at number 64 on the Billboard 200 and featured production work by industry veteran Brendan O'Brien, known for his work with Pearl Jam and The Gaslight Anthem. The band has maintained a consistent presence on the rock charts with subsequent singles and continues to be a popular live act on the festival circuit.

Fans of Those Days' brand of earnest, guitar-based rock often appreciate the work of similar artists. The Gaslight Anthem shares a deep affinity for classic American rock storytelling. The Menzingers offer a similar punk-inflected take on heartland and Midwestern life. Lucero blends rock with country soul in a comparable manner. Frank Turner mirrors their anthemic and working-class lyrical approach, though from a British perspective.