The Sounds of Many Debut Album "The Sounds of Many" (2026) Review

FFO (For Fans Of): Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; Paul McCartney and Wings; Oasis; The Doors; The Beatles’ “Rubber Soul” album

The sound of rock’n’roll is free, rebellious, energetic, catchy. There is not one particular “sound” note-wise that could single-handedly be defined as “rock’n’roll”. It’s about attitude as much as it is about musicianship; it is a brotherhood or sisterhood of musicians with a common goal, a common desire to show the world who the hell they are and why you should take a nice, comfy seat and listen.

The Sounds of Many does just that on their debut self-titled album. Their retro-modern music caught my attention, and it has been an exciting journey seeing what will happen with this band. The Kansas City-based band had a pre-album release show at Lemonade Park, presented by recordBar. The event was for Rock The Vote, which encourages voter registration. 

I heard many of the album’s songs live for the first time that night. The Sounds of Many frankly is a band I try to catch every time they play near; their live shows are hypnotically energetic with no filler. Pure energy.

Hearing the songs in the studio setting keeps the same energy and exhibits the polished talent of the band.

The opening track “Middle Man” RIPS with energy. The Sounds of Many (TSOM) waste no time. Lyrically, it is like a modern version of Thunderclap Newman’s song “Something In The Air” asking people to take a look around and make a difference. Like “Something In The Air,” there is even a keys solo towards the end.

The second track “Little Aphrodite” was released as a single on December 31, 2025. This was the first single off the album. The beginning reminded me of Oasis’ song “Rock ‘N’ Roll Star,” which Oasis in turn reminds me of 1960s psychedelic-rock with a lot of their sound. This leads to a trickle effect of patterns in culture; as fashion trends seem to recycle every couple decades, music displays the same symptoms from time to time; what had happened happened, what happened happened, and what happens is happening. The past influences the present, the present influences the future etc. 

And, no, do not misunderstand, this is not an album of recycled wastewater; TSOM have too much talent to rehash and reheat the past. TSOM takes rock’n’roll and reflects it back at itself to create energetic, original music with a Message.

Third track “Teach The Killer” is a shift into blues territory. It is another song asking people for more kindness in the world. 

“Gaslight Fever Dream” was released as the third and final single before the full album. Released on August 6, this song exhibits the driving rock side of the band. It is epic seeing the band play this one live. The drums are such a strong part to their sound with rising, soaring energy. The lyrics share a tale about drugs, bargaining, lies, and betrayal. Similar to the band’s earlier song “White Lie,” TSOM is not hesitant to write about gloomier, simply real topics of life. Whether it’s about struggling with mental health or unhealthy relationships with others, yourself, or habits, TSOM keeps it real.

Fifth track “Starless” is a softer side of their driving psychedelic-blues rock. It starts off like a gentle acoustic sunrise rising slowly above gray clouds. Then the drums with an initial jungle-like sound kick in with the vocals and full band. It is a segue into a softer shift of the album. It’s a dreamy, very summery, very happy song.

“Love Lies” has Jake Mager on lead vocals. The layered vocals are trippy. This song is 70s-esque about looking for love through a philosophical lens looking inward and reflection. It’s simply COOL.

Next track “Less Lethal” borders on punk; we are back to the driving energetic rock’n’roll I know TSOM for. I cannot believe this song is almost 4 minutes long; it goes by much quicker. There is a seamless transition with the organ from “Less Lethal” fading into the next track. . .

. . .“Petrichor” was released as the second single on April 16, and released again backing “Gaslight Fever Dream.” Lukas Hugunin is an awesome musician. His vocals on this track roar and howl a tale of nostalgia. 

“Kiss The Sun” has a flute intro. Yes, a FLUTE intro. This was an unexpected, fun element. Like “Love Lies,” this is a cozier song. The second to last song on the album, things start wrapping up. “Kiss The Sun” evokes a smile. Like the name suggests, it is a warm song. 

The conclusion - “Daffodils for Dandys” takes us back full circle to the punch of energetic rock that opened the album. “Daffodils for Dandys” shares of a psychedelic adventure story and takes the listener on one with a sizzling guitar and Alice in Wonderland-esque lyrics. 

Overall, this album is everything I expected from The Sounds of Many and more. When I first saw the band a couple of years ago, I thought they were at their simplest a fun modern psychedelic-rock band. Their studio material proves that they are more than just ‘fun.’ They are a group of five musicians who put their all into their music, venturing through rock’n’roll and its subgenres of blues and softer acoustic side streets. So, take a seat and listen up: get cozy with The Sounds of Many, but you may not be sitting long when their catchy riffs and energetic music hits you. In fact, you may just get up and dance!

THE SOUNDS OF MANY are self-described as an electrifying five piece rock and roll band from Kansas City! Consisting of Lukas Hugunin on guitar and vocals, Jake Mager on Guitar and Vocals, Brad Farrow on drums and vocals, Mitchell Bruce on Bass, and Caleb Price on Organ and Keyboard.

If you enjoy what you hear from The Sounds of Many, support them on their Bandcamp page: https://thesoundsofmany.bandcamp.com/