Emerging from the heart of New Orleans, a city renowned for its rich musical tapestry, The Bottoms is a band that thrives on connection, collaboration, and an undeniable passion for storytelling through music. The journey of The Bottoms began with a moment of serendipity, one that would shape the future of five musicians who had spent years honing their craft in different musical landscapes. At the center of it all was Jason Rhein, a seasoned vocalist and rhythm guitarist whose roots ran deep in the New Orleans indie rock scene. After a lengthy hiatus from making music, Rhein found himself back onstage for a reunion performance with his former band, Rotary Downs, a psychedelic indie rock group that had made waves in the early 2000s. The moment was electric. The sheer energy of performing again reignited a long-dormant fire within him, and as fate would have it, a chance meeting that night set everything into motion.
Through a mutual acquaintance, Rhein was introduced to drummer Eric Nelson just a week later. Almost instantly, the two connected through their shared love of crafting music, and soon after, their creative synergy led them to begin writing songs together. As their sound began to take shape, the band expanded, drawing in kindred spirits who shared their musical vision. Bassist and backup vocalist Charles Depret soon joined, bringing a rhythmic depth that perfectly complemented their evolving sound. The next addition was keyboardist and backup vocalist Michael Girardot, an accomplished musician known for his work with the touring band The Revivalists. Girardot’s experience and dynamic approach to sound design added an atmospheric richness that elevated the band’s sonic identity.
Rounding out the lineup was lead guitarist Eric Nichelson, an old college friend of Rhein and a talented musician in his own right, known for his work with the Denton-based band Midlake. With each new member, The Bottoms grew not just in number but in depth, their collective experience weaving together a sound that was fresh yet deeply rooted in indie rock’s timeless essence. Drawing inspiration from iconic acts like Liz Phair, The Bottoms developed a style characterized by intricate harmonies, layered instrumentation, and a storytelling approach that resonated deeply with their growing audience. Their music is an exploration of emotions, sometimes introspective, sometimes soaring with anthemic energy, but always authentic. With every release, they push the boundaries of their sound, refusing to be confined by expectations. Their journey is one of evolution, and with each new song, they continue to carve out a distinct identity in the vibrant indie music scene.
From the soul of New Orleans’ indie rock scene comes One In A Million, the latest offering from The Bottoms, released on March 7, 2025. A song that encapsulates the band’s evolving artistry, this track is both an introspective exploration and a celebration of connection, wrapped in a lush and immersive soundscape. As their fifth official single, One In A Million marks a defining moment for The Bottoms, showcasing their signature fusion of layered harmonies, melodic storytelling, and textured instrumentation. Born from a night of inspiration, where the band found themselves immersed in Liz Phair’s Exile in Guyville. Rich with five-part vocal harmonies, call-and-response melodies, and a striking acapella vocal break, this track stands out not only for its polished production but for the depth of its message.
Lyrically, the song navigates the delicate balance between longing, acceptance, and the fleeting magic of finding someone truly unique, your ‘one in a million’. The poetic verses are told from the perspective of a wish, exploring the beauty and the bittersweet reality of what it means when dreams become tangible. Recorded through a meticulous self-recording process, with drummer Eric Nelson and vocalist Jason Rhein utilizing their personal studios to craft the song’s intricate layers, One In A Million exemplifies The Bottoms’ hands-on approach to music-making. The track was later mixed by Paul Alexander in Denton, Texas, whose expertise brought the song’s textures to life with clarity and depth.
One in a Million, the latest single from The Bottoms, is an impressive showcase of the band’s ability to craft immersive and emotionally resonant music. From the moment the song kicks off, it is evident that this is more than just an alternative rock piece, it is an experience that unfolds layer by layer, drawing the listener into its sonic embrace. The track opens with magnificent, ringing guitar riffs that immediately command attention, setting a warm and inviting tone. This is quickly accompanied by a sustained synth that glows with ethereal beauty, creating a pulsating ambiance that hints at the magic about to unfold. As the introduction builds, a calmly distorted bassline weaves in with precision, anchoring the composition while maintaining a sense of fluidity.
The development is both organic and meticulously arranged, ensuring that every transition feels natural rather than forced. There’s a sense of anticipation in this opening, as if the song is carefully preparing the listener for an exhilarating yet intimate musical journey. As the instrumentation expands, the song’s atmosphere begins to take full shape, and the energy it exudes is nothing short of captivating. The rhythm section enters seamlessly, providing an understated yet compelling groove that complements the guitar and synth work beautifully. The drumming is crisp and tight, offering a steady pulse that keeps the momentum going without overpowering the song’s delicate nuances. The bass, while subtly distorted, maintains a melodic quality that adds depth and warmth to the mix.
There’s a calm, upbeat feel to the progression, a soft yet persistent energy that makes the track feel simultaneously soothing and invigorating. Adding another layer of magic, the presence of an underlayer vocal harmony enriches the entire experience, making the song feel even more celestial. The Bottoms demonstrate an innate ability to balance complexity and accessibility, crafting a sound that feels intricate yet effortlessly enjoyable. Vocalist Jason Rhein takes center stage with a delivery that is as heartfelt as it is technically impressive. His voice possesses a warmth and clarity that allows the lyrics to resonate deeply, drawing listeners into the song’s emotive core. The synergy between his vocals and the instrumentation is remarkable, as each element seems to amplify the other rather than compete for dominance. There’s an authenticity in his voice, a sincerity that makes every word feel intentional and deeply felt.
Keyboardist Michael Girardot adds to this richness with harmonies that seamlessly blend with Rhein’s lead vocals, elevating the choruses into something almost transcendent. The result is a vocal performance that doesn’t just complement the instrumentation, it enhances it, creating a sense of unity and cohesion that makes the song feel complete. The lyrics, while open to interpretation, carry a universal relatability, touching on themes of connection, self-discovery, and fleeting moments of beauty. One of the most striking aspects of One in a Million is its seamless shifts and transitions, which keep the song dynamic without feeling disjointed. The verses carry an intimate, almost conversational tone, allowing the listener to settle into the track’s emotional core. As the song progresses, the energy subtly builds, leading to a chorus that soars without feeling excessive.
The interplay between the soft, pulsating verses and the expansive, harmony-laden chorus creates an ebb and flow that feels deeply satisfying. The bridge offers a slight departure, introducing a moment of reflection before the song swells back into its final climactic chorus. These structural choices showcase The Bottoms’ ability to craft music that evolves naturally, keeping the listener engaged from start to finish. There’s an undeniable sense of purpose in the arrangement, as if every transition has been carefully designed to enhance the emotional journey. The production of the track is nothing short of exceptional, ensuring that each musical element is given the space it deserves. The blend of vocals and instrumentation is meticulously balanced, allowing for clarity and impact without any single element overwhelming the mix.
The guitars shimmer with a crisp, polished tone, the synths add an ethereal depth, and the bass provides a rich, grounding presence. Meanwhile, the drumming is dynamic and expressive, adding a sense of movement without feeling intrusive. The mix allows listeners to fully appreciate the intricate layers that make up the track, from the subtle background harmonies to the atmospheric textures that linger just beneath the surface. This attention to detail results in a song that feels as immersive as a live performance, yet refined enough to shine in a studio setting. From the very first note, One in a Million evokes a sense of wonder and anticipation, as if inviting the listener to step into a dreamlike world of melody and emotion.
The combination of its intricate musicality, heartfelt vocal delivery, and high-quality production creates a song that feels both intimate and grand. The overall atmosphere is one of warmth and upliftment, offering a sonic escape that lingers long after the final note fades. There’s a nostalgic, almost cinematic quality to the track, making it feel like the perfect soundtrack for a meaningful moment. Whether experienced through headphones in solitude or played out loud in a shared space, the song has an undeniable ability to connect with its audience on a deep, emotional level. It’s a testament to The Bottoms’ artistry, a song that doesn’t just sound good but feels profoundly alive.
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Listen to One In A Million by The Bottoms and many more on our Rock/Electric Guitar Based Playlist.
