a little place called Aspen Delivers an Electrifying Pop-Rock, Dark Anthem with "Back from the Dead"
- STAFF
- Mar 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 10
By: Staff
We heard about the latest release, "Back from the Dead," from the band a little place called Aspen, and it was nothing like we expected, but it was everything we needed and more! The song’s backstory is as wild as it gets: a fisherman returns from the dead, reanimated as an alien- which are lyrics inspired by a Stephen King short story. You wouldn’t expect that premise to translate into an upbeat, feel-good track, but this band pulls it off magnificently.
Right from the start, the production technique draws you in, creating a spatial sound that feels both distant and immediate, as if the music is coming from around the block yet pulsing right in your ears. This clever audio engineering wipes the sonic slate clean, leaving you unsure of what’s coming next. And then, boom, the opening beats hit. Thunderous, punchy drums burst through, quickly followed by an explosion of horn, infused energy that demands you stop whatever you're doing and dance.
The 70s and 80s-inspired brass sections inject an undeniable groove, fusing nostalgia with a fresh, modern sound. This contrast, bright, lively instrumentation against the song’s macabre storyline, makes "Back from the Dead" an exhilarating listen. But what truly elevates the track is its vocal delivery. The lead performance is a masterclass in controlled intensity, silky and breathy in one moment, yet soaring with power in the next. The harmonies, layered seamlessly throughout, create a rich, almost ethereal texture that softens the song’s eerie undertones and amplifies its emotional impact.
Lyrically, the track is a perfect storm of dark, cinematic imagery wrapped in an irresistibly catchy pop, rock package. Lines like:
"My love was dead in the sea / But it came crawling back to me / Two shots to one heart / Then I burned him with kerosene"
-paint a vivid, almost theatrical picture of love and destruction, yet the delivery makes it feel euphoric. This ability to turn violent, chilling themes into something so infectious and uplifting is reminiscent of Blues Traveler’s "Hook", a track that disguises its meaning behind an irresistibly catchy melody. a little place called Aspen achieves this same magic, subverting lyrical expectations while keeping listeners completely engaged.
What makes this release even more impressive is the collective vocal effort from every band member, Nick Babcock, Hunter Sheridan, Jordan Moore, Nolan Hubbard, and Ty Callan. A true boy, band approach, their voices blend into something larger than the sum of their parts, lifting the song into anthem territory. The harmonies are sweet and endearing, effortlessly pulling smiles from listeners, while the combination of cascading guitars and delicate synth flourishes gives the track an immersive, full, bodied feel.
The decision to create interlude parts almost stripped down, focusing on beats, bass, and vocals, allows the song’s energy to build dynamically. By the time the full arrangement kicks in, with its rich textures and layered instrumentation, it transforms into the kind of track best enjoyed with the windows down on a summer night.
And just when you think you’ve experienced everything "Back from the Dead" has to offer, the song throws in a call-and-response chorus, an electrifying, chiming guitar solo, and a soaring outro that cements its place as a pop, rock powerhouse.
a little place called Aspen has delivered an absolute knockout with "Back from the Dead." It’s unexpected, it’s addictive, and it’s proof that even the darkest stories can be turned into something euphoric. We’re 1000% sold on a little place called Aspen.
Blending elements of pop and alternative pop, a little place called Aspen formed in 2022 when five friends set out to redefine the modern boy band. With each member playing a role both vocally and instrumentally, they craft a sound that’s as dynamic as it is memorable.
Their debut single, "Back from the Dead," marks just the beginning, with a steady stream of new releases planned throughout 2025 and 2026.
The song takes inspiration from Stephen King’s "Home Delivery," a chilling tale of a woman grappling with a zombie outbreak. The narrative follows her husband, lost at sea, who returns from the dead as the world faces an alien, induced resurrection of the fallen. The chorus, with its eerie yet irresistible hook, "Reanimated, we’re coming back again", perfectly captures the apocalyptic yet oddly exhilarating nature of the track.
Behind the scenes, the band’s creative force is a collaboration between Hunter Sheridan, Nick Babcock, Jordan Moore, Ty Callan, and Nolan Hubbard, who not only perform but also produce their music. Mixing was handled by Dan Brodbeck, while Montano Mastering polished the final sound. Based out of Toronto, ON, a little place called Aspen is poised to make waves in the alt-pop scene, fusing infectious melodies with imaginative, boundary-pushing storytelling.
You can find this release on any major platform, make sure to playlist, stream, and share "Back from the Dead" by A Little Place Called Aspen.
Check out this latest release and listen to more on Spotify & YouTube
