Imagine you’ve been standing in line for an amusement park ride when you finally make your way to the front and… nothing happens. Drawing from this feeling, “No Ride” by rock artist Luke Rhodes of Fallen Roads details what it’s been like for him to look back on his former Christian faith with newfound perspective. Further, by unpacking a religious path that proved stifling for him personally, Luke has found freedom in music. While acknowledging the ways religion can effect positive change for some, “No Ride” serves as a safe place for recovering believers.
“Sometimes you’ve got to step back and wonder why you’re doing what you’re doing, and question everything,” Luke explains asking, “What are you giving away? Does it make sense?”
“No Ride” is the final version of many fragments and phrases abandoned on Google Drive, masterfully co-written with Amber Kamminga. Produced by Rich Stine (The Head and The Heart, Joshua James, The Bones of J.R. Jones), this song features drums by Brian Jones, bass by Logan Davis and backing vocals by Buttafly Vasquez. A self-proclaimed “odd” amalgamation of musical influences including classical, motown, CCR, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Rage Against the Machine and 90’s country, Luke is excited-but-admittedly-nervous to reveal his new music.
To date, Fallen Roads has released their debut single and music video for “Where She Goes,” harnessing attention from a number of news and media outlets; the band’s work has been praised by 100% Rock Magazine, Underground Music Collective, The Honey Pop, The Fountain, VENTS and The Hype Magazine, among others. Noteworthy live performances have taken place at The Camel and Hardywood in Richmond, VA and Ottobar, in Baltimore, MD. While 2020 plans were hindered, Fallen Roads plans to release 5+ new songs in 2021 while creating new material. As for the band’s next release, “No Ride,” Luke sees it as something that’s good for him and hopefully good for his listeners, too.
“For people who have walked away, I’m hoping it’s triumphant, defiant,” he explains. “I feel both of these emotions when it comes to my departure from the stifling belief system that I was raised in and I’m sure I’m not alone.”
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