Nicole Brice
Jul 14, 2025
Peregrine Stanzas showcases heavy basslines complemented by crispy vocals and exceptional guitar.
Wow! This is incredible! Those were my exact thoughts after I hit play on my iPod to dive into the new EP from Andy Connolly called Peregrine Stanzas.
Andy Connolly was born and raised in the suburbs of Boston, where he has navigated his musical journey through various contrasts. He skillfully blends powerful guitar chords with delicate acoustics, showcasing both sides of his musical personality through well-delivered vocals and carefully crafted arrangements. In his fifth solo album, Peregrine Stanzas, Andy has refined this balance of extremes. Andy is more than a musician, though; he’s a songwriter and author, too, with his work currently available for purchase on Amazon.
On Peregrine Stanzas, each song is more enjoyable than the last, and no two songs sound alike. Andy's vocals are extraordinary. Released on May 30, 2025, Peregrine Stanzas is a 6-song EP that features an exciting mix of pop punk, rock, metal, new wave, and much more. It showcases heavy basslines complemented by crisp vocals and exceptional guitar playing.
It’s a fantastic collection of goodness, no lie.
With exhilarating highs and reflective lows, it evokes everything from the thrill of speeding to deep contemplation. Listeners should prepare to be transported to an otherworldly musical realm characterized by melodic guitar playing and memorable hooks, all woven into catchy songs that will have you hitting the replay button.
Andy has collaborated with renowned musicians, including bass legend Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, The Winery Dogs) and drumming virtuoso Ray Luzier (KoRn, ex-David Lee Roth Band), along with many other talented artists and special guests. Peregrine Stanzas draws on familiar sounds while pushing the boundaries of Andy’s unique style.
Produced by Dan Kupka and Scott Bush on different tracks, Peregrine Stanzas marks Andy's first solo effort that features contributions from outside writers and session musicians. With outstanding lyrics by Patrick Walsh, Andy composed the music for the breakout single ‘Rough Diamonds.’ The track is backed by Billy Sheehan on bass and Ray Luzier on drums, making it an enjoyable high-energy song. As for the rest of the album and Andy's future sounds, only time will tell, so stay tuned.
Let’s get into these tracks, shall we?
‘Rough Diamonds’ is full of energy as soon as the song kicks off. The guitar tone is superb and crisp. It's an excellent song, and everything about it hits.
‘Dear Tragedy’ begins with a raw guitar sound that has a rockabilly vibe. Andy's powerful vocals shine through; his voice truly seems made for this genre. The heavy bass kicks in right from the start, giving the song a grunge sound, in contrast to the opening track, which leans more towards pop punk. Overall, this song is fantastic.
In ‘In the Belly of This Whale,’ the spoken word vocals are potent and give me chills. Andy's voice has a more acoustic vibe, yet it maintains the same intensity as the previous two tracks. He speaks with truth and strength in his words, so it's essential to pay attention.
‘Taken by the Night’ has an entirely different vibe compared to the previous three tracks. It reminds me of 80s new wave but with a modern edge. The track features no vocals and is entirely acoustic.
‘Leave It All Behind’ starts with an energetic “Heeeeyyy!” that sets the tone for the track. It reminds me of a gritty, grunge-alternative song that is full of charisma and oozes with it.
‘Taken by the Night (Dr. DK Remix)’ reminds me of the remix of 'Torn Apart' by Stabbing Westward for the Spawn soundtrack. This remix jams and offers a unique take on the original track, adding more of a groove. It would be an excellent addition to a video game soundtrack.
Peregrine Stanzas is an EP that is worth checking out and adding to your collection. It is well-crafted and showcases a great deal of diversity. It's best enjoyed by listening to all the songs in the order they appear, preferably with headphones on. Be sure to stream it today!
To learn more about Andy Connolly:
Website:
All links:
Peregrine Stanzas by Andy Connolly - DistroKid
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