Listen: Middle Class Rut
Following in the footsteps of The Black Keys and The White Stripes, Middle Class Rut is a powerful and explosive musical duo. Although their success is only in the beginning stages, at least if you go by MySpace hits as a basis of popularity, this Sacramento based outfit shouldn’t have any problems making an impact in the very near future. Comprised of Zack Lopez on guitar and Sean Stockham on drums, the band’s sound is more inventive and progressive than most 4-piece bands dominating the airwaves today. Both members are capable of handling vocal duties and it shows through their strong vocal harmonies, such is the case on their track “Nothin’”.
Aside from “Nothin’”, other tracks which stand out in the Middle Class Rut repertoire are “Busy Bein Born” 
and “New Low.” Both of these tracks are found in their self-titled debut and contain a strong punk, progressive rock influence. Their vocal harmonies represent their punk influences, while Lopez’s guitar solo in “New Low” reflects his love for Tom Morello. Albeit Lopez’s solos are more soft and progressive in nature, opposed to Morello’s metal stomping solos with Rage Against the Machine. Stockham’s frenetic drum assaults mix well with Lopez’s solos, much similar to Rage’s Brad Wilk; nevertheless Middle Class Rut still maintains their own unique sound. Today, bands are easy to distinguish from each other based on their influences, yet the duo separates itself from others by plucking certain characteristics from their influences and combining them into one exceptional sound.
Middle Class Rut’s studio recordings sound crisp and inventive, especially Lopez’s guitar work; however, musical duos often tend to perform different live. Certain recorded tracks contain guitar overdubs, bass guitar, and effects which could prove troublesome for the group live. Thus, after first listen one would definitely be intrigued to attend an Middle Class Rut show to prove if its recorded material is as good as the live material. But performance aside, considering I have yet to experience one for myself, Middle Class Rut produce a fantastic sound which separates them from other up and coming duos. Keep an eye out for these boys from Sacramento, California because judging by their musical skill, shown in their debut album, they will be coming to a city near you sooner than later.
Check Out:
Middle Class Rut - “New Low”
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