By Josh McCann

The opening of “Suburban Legend,” the great new indie rock album from brother-sister duo Durry, features the classic dial up internet tone. Remember that?! Nostalgia plays a role throughout the record. And what a blistering rock record it is—crank it up!

Every once in a while you discover a band that you know you’ll be playing for a while. This was that discovery. Siblings Austin and Taryn Durry formed in 2020 during quarantine. The Minnesota based band wasted no time in making music and getting noticed on social media. When I first heard “Who’s Laughing Now” earlier this year, I turned up the dial in my car. I wanted to hear more. What’s crazy is that the song actually went viral on TikTok in 2021!

“Coming of Age” is straight drive with distortion. This is such a strong way to start the album. And we are just getting started. “Haste La Vista Baby” is another strong one here. The backup vocals from Taryn Durry enhance the melodies. It would be cool to hear more of her vocals down the line. It’s a good song to request at the jukebox while you step over spilled beer. Or if you’re past your 30’s, a good song to hear in the comfort of your home while eating chips. Yes! (Sour cream and onion rules.)

“TKO” has a sweet guitar into, mentioning Taco Bell (because you can’t go wrong with the Bell). This one has a great groove, nice solo, cool lyrics.

“Worse for wear” eludes to the mundane suburban life. This makes me think of Arcade Fire’s 2010 classic, “The Suburbs.” I played that album all summer in my Cougar. I’m from a small town, where farms are everywhere, which is a good thing. The outskirts of town can be so fascinating. “Big kids living in an old man’s world,” Austin sings.

“Mall Rat” is a highlight of the record. Bringing us back to 2010. It’s going to be a live show staple. An ode to being 16. (Okay, I was alot older than 16 in 2010 but still.) I remember those times, driving in my Cutlass Cruiser Station Wagon. We could fit eight people in that beauty. Driving around our small town was the best feeling ever—the mall and fast food joints each night were amazing. This song takes us back to that place!

“Little bit lonely” is one of the more underrated songs on the album. Lonely can be good. An 80’s synth for any John Hughes movie classic. “Losers Club” is another strong one. “Trauma queen” has urgency and keeps the momentum.

“Suburban legends” has the get-out-of-this-town theme. “We’re gonna drive till the engine dies.”Gas can be pricey but it’s worth it! You’re in charge of your own story. “Encore” brings it home with cheers from the crowd.

Whether you’re a teenager or thinking back to those times—it hits home. A standout indie rock record of 2023.