“ONE OF THE MONEY” By I, Captain

Western New York native, “Pete Rogers,” the multi-instrumentalist and songwriter behind I, Captain, has released a bold and unorthodox EP. The new work is available on all major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, YouTube, and Pandora. This four-track release is a short, yet punchy collection of songs. Unlike his previous album “Outer Space,” this EP dives into gritty rhythm and bold melodies. It may lack its predecessor’s spaced-out atmosphere and cosmic ambiance, but it makes up for it with rhythmic experimentation. Over-spaced ambiance, the album compensates with gritty experimentation and rhythmic, melodic tempo.

Starting on the first song of the EP, genre-fluid themes were dominant. Fans of I, Captain will notice unmistakable freshness alongside signature Rogers-style old-school punk alongside progressive rock. The songs draw inspiration from a variety of older bands like Nomeanso, Firehose, Primus, and the Minutemen, and into another, which is heavily filled with tight instrumentation and intricate song structures. Pink Floyd continues their reign, not filling the album with soaring psychedelia, but lending thoughtful layering and cohesiveness.

The highlight song “Gone” captures all the elements that mark this EP as both an advance and a regression for I, Captain. It combines flowing vocals with rhythmic vocals and angular basslines, creating a soundscape that is both familiar and innovative. There is a feeling of controlled mayhem, where all the chaos of the instruments pushing the limits still allows for the groove to remain. Offbeat charm captures the listener’s attention, and the emotional undercurrent with delicate hooks ensures they’re retained, making “Gone” captivating. It illustrates how Rogers can toss out convention while sustaining accessibility.

What captures the essence of this EP the most is the reasoning behind it. Each selection was made based on the fact that it could fit onto previous releases, which emphasizes Rogers’ attitude towards music. Every statement needs a reason to be classified as filler. Most of the sound might be outliers elsewhere, but here they take shape and undergo an experimental transformation by I, Captain. Novice instincts are given the freedom to steer the journey, transforming a collection of B-sides into a thoughtful expedition crafted by the experienced artist.

The production captures the raw essence and vibrancy of a live performance, while the polish enhances important details, propelling the overall urgency of the EP. Guitars grind and ring, basslines meander with intent, and the drums click like a heartbeat. Through Rogers’ multi-instrumental abilities, every single track seems to come alive and transform as it moves forward. Every single vision added is bold but brilliant.

To put it in simple words, Captain’s new EP serves as a canonical expression of versatility and unrestrained innovation of music rather than being a filler between releases. Whether or not you are a fan of Rogers, the four-track EP deserves a listen and is available across all major streaming services. Do not skip “Gone,” if you are looking for one perfect mad track containing the essence of the entire project. This is the type of artist who shatters the conventional structure of music to reconstruct it. I, Captain, congratulate you once again.