[Cover photo credit to Kiara Laserna]
Philadelphia-based Rock band THE RICOS have announced their next release, the Dream Machine EP arriving on July 1st, 2022. The release will also feature a limited edition cassette. The EP follows on from their 2019 debut Spirit State and 2020’s digital single “What Comes Next?” While they began working on the new collection back in 2019, the release was delayed by guitarist/vocalist Joseph B. Purcell’s temporary relocation to London and the COVID-19 global pandemic that followed. Purcell is joined by bandmates Connor Wynne (bassist) and Daniel Fisk-Kallish (drummer) on the new EP. To celebrate the EP’s arrival, THE RICOS will also be playing a release show at Khyber Pass Pub in Philadelphia, PA on Friday July 1st.
We’re delighted to premier the single and video for “Local Tourist” from the new EP today here at Wildfire Music + News. The vibey and reflective song plays with ideas of connection and disconnection, and the video, which was shot by LA-based cinematographer Jake Kasperek and directed and edited by Purcell, carries an added warning about trusting strangers on the internet.
Joseph B. Purcell shares some thoughts on the song, “Local Tourist”:
I guess you could say this song is about being present, but not all there… if that makes sense. (Laughs) It touches on lacking that sense of connectivity that comes along with a place or person. Sometimes, achieving that feeling is what matters most.
Regarding the making of the video for “Local Tourist”, Purcell adds:
After finishing up our last music video for our digital single ‘What Comes Next?’ a year or so ago, we wanted to do something completely different for our next one. With Jake’s help, we were able to basically pull off our own standalone narrative sort of thing about wanting to escape one’s day-to-day reality. Like the video shows though, sometimes this quest comes with a price… Don’t trust strangers on the internet.
Like THE RICOS’ last release, the Dream Machine EP was recorded at Hidden Fortress in Philadelphia, a Brewerytown-based recording studio/communal art space. Produced by Tom Kelly, a founding member of the Philadelphia-based rock act Snoozer and touring drummer for Alex G, and Kieran Ferris, bassist for fellow Philly locals Joy Again, the EP builds on THE RICOS’ evolving performance experience and also dives into more “immersive” arrangements.
In addition, those who purchase THE RICOS’ Dream Machine EP on limited edition cassette, which will be available via Utica Records on Friday July 1st, 2022, will receive three acoustic bonus tracks recorded live in London at the Kit x NX Records Shop by Kit Records’ founder Richard Greenan.
