Social Gravy, the indie rock brainchild of Brad Kohn and Vee Bordukov, has carved out a distinct space in the modern rock scene from their Los Angeles base. Calling themselves “romantic rock’n’rollers,” the duo blends heartfelt lyricism with a riff-forward sound, striking a balance between mainstream appeal and indie authenticity. Their music has earned acclaim for its effortlessly cool aesthetic. Since their 2016 debut with the single Fools, the band has released a steady stream of emotionally driven, sonically diverse tracks. Through it all, Social Gravy has stayed rooted in their core mission: keeping the spirit of rock alive by being unapologetically sincere and sonically raw.
Released on May 31st, 2025, “These Are The Times” is the latest offering from Social Gravy, and it marks a compelling evolution in their ever-expanding discography. Following closely behind their powerful single “Lone Wolf,” this new track signals a tonal shift, allowing listeners to glimpse the band’s more romantic, pop-infused sensibilities. Yet, at no point does the song abandon the rock roots that have defined Social Gravy’s identity since their debut. Instead, it refines them, repackaging their passion into a format that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. With its heartfelt lyrics, polished production, and captivating storytelling, “These Are The Times” proves to be a well-crafted piece that adds emotional depth to the band’s growing legacy.
From the very first moments, “These Are The Times” introduces itself with an instrumental clarity that speaks to the band’s attention to detail. Crisp guitar strums and rhythmic percussion form the backbone of the track, building a light yet infectious energy that sets the mood perfectly. The production is sleek without being sterile, capturing the spontaneity of a live performance while still maintaining the precision expected of a studio recording. It’s the kind of opening that draws listeners in gradually, urging them to stay with the story rather than rushing to the hook. By doing so, Social Gravy creates an atmosphere of anticipation and emotional openness, inviting the audience into something personal and reflective.
Vocally, the song is driven by a sense of sincerity that’s hard to ignore. The delivery is tender yet strong, measured yet expressive. The vocals carry a certain earnestness that breathes life into every line. He doesn’t over-sing or indulge in vocal theatrics; instead, he lets the lyrics do the emotional heavy lifting. And the lyrics here are genuinely striking. Inspired by a candid moment shared with Kohn’s former girlfriend in Santa Monica, the words have an almost cinematic quality. The lines: “I’ve dreamt for a lifetime or two; Every second alive; These are the times” captures a feeling that is both fleeting and eternal, one of those moments that lives in memory longer than it lasted in real time.
Lyrically, “These Are The Times” feels like a celebration of presence. Rather than dwelling on heartbreak or longing, the song is anchored in a sense of gratitude. It’s about recognizing the beauty of a shared moment and immortalizing it through song. That subtle shift from nostalgia for what is lost to appreciation for what was lived, gives the track a refreshing sense of optimism. The titular phrase, originally spoken offhandedly during a sun-drenched post-award ceremony moment, becomes a kind of emotional thesis for the song. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most profound insights come wrapped in the most casual expressions.
Musically, the track walks a fine line between pop-rock polish and indie grit. The guitar work balances clean melodies with just enough crunch to give the sound some bite. The rhythm section is tight and dynamic, adding movement without overwhelming the softer edges of the song. There’s a subtle layering in the arrangement that adds depth to repeated listens: background harmonies that rise at just the right moment, instrumental fills that mirror the emotional tone of the lyrics, and a production style that feels modern yet organic. These small details elevate the track from being merely good to truly memorable.
What makes “These Are The Times” especially engaging is how it blends classic pop-rock sensibilities with modern indie aesthetics. There’s a timelessness to its structure, yet it never feels outdated. Social Gravy manages to evoke the warmth of 70s and 80s rock ballads while still embracing contemporary production techniques and melodic ideas. This duality is at the heart of the band’s charm: they are clearly students of rock history, but they refuse to be trapped by nostalgia. Instead, they use it as a springboard to create something relevant and emotionally potent for today’s audience.
In sum, “These Are The Times” is a standout release that demonstrates Social Gravy’s capacity for artistic growth and emotional storytelling. It captures a specific moment in time with universal appeal, using crisp instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics to connect on a deeply personal level. As the band continues to explore new creative directions, this track offers a clear sign that their artistic compass remains steady. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this song is a moving reminder of what makes Social Gravy’s music so enduring: a commitment to honesty, melody, and the beautiful messiness of being human.
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