In the world of classic rock, the week of July 13, 2026, was a battle of the bands, with a North vs. South showdown between London's The Heat Inc. and Macclesfield's Virginmarys. The former emerged victorious, and Australia's Airbourne claimed third place. But it's not just about the winners; it's about the journey and the stories behind the music. One such story is that of Massive Wagons and their new single, 'Story Of My Demise'. This high-octane yet heartfelt track is a metaphor for the band's resilience and joy in facing life's challenges. The video, featuring an actual paratrooper overseeing a military assault course, perfectly captures this sentiment. Similarly, Triggerfinger's 'Through The Beam' is a suave swirl of alternative rock, inviting listeners to recognize beauty in the midst of sensory overload. The band's singer, Ruben Block, reflects on the effort required to appreciate the beauty around us, finding joy in the pursuit of seemingly frivolous things. Kris Barras Band's 'Monsters We Made' is another standout, combining the beefiness of their recent records with the blues-infused melodies of their earlier work. The video, filled with hi-spec monsters, adds to the song's powerful message. Getdown Services' 'Cha Cha Slide' is a disarmingly emotional punch, built on gauzy synth lines and beats, with a giant Minion dancing by the sea. It's a lo-fi masterpiece that packs a quiet, profound punch. Juliet's Not Dead, on the other hand, offers a stirring, expansive 'Big Music' power ballad with notes of punky grit. Their frontman, Stevie Stoker, reflects on the challenges faced as a band and the emotions reflected in their music. Ferris & Sylvester's 'Tiny Little Love' is a delicate, deeply moving ode to their son, born prematurely, with Issy Ferris' magnetic vocals and Archie Sylvester's sumptuous guitar lines. The album, 'It's A Joy To Be Alive', is set to be released in August. Alabama Shakes' 'I Feel Hope Coming' is a soulful slice of contemporary cosmic Americana, with Brittany Howard singing about holding onto hope in the face of political lies. The band's decade-long hiatus adds to the intrigue, and their new album, 'I Must Be Dreaming', promises to be elegance personified. Twisted Teens' 'Florida Water Blues' is a ragged chunk of acoustic southern country rock'n'roll, packed with grit, groove, and joie de vivre. The band, sitting near the center of an unlikely Venn diagram of classic rock influences, is poised to become an underground critical darling. These bands, and many more, showcase the diverse and captivating world of classic rock, where every song tells a story and every performance is a journey. As Polly, the deputy editor of Classic Rock magazine, reflects, these artists are not just musicians; they are storytellers, painting vivid pictures with their music and videos. From the personal to the political, from the emotional to the energetic, these tracks of the week offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of classic rock, inviting listeners to explore, reflect, and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the genre.
