The Band Feel: Modern Torchbearers of Classic Rock ‘n’ Roll Energy

While often used interchangeably, “rock” and “rock ‘n’ roll” represent distinct sounds and eras. Rock ‘n’ roll emerged in the 1950s in the United States, heavily influenced by blues, country, and rhythm & blues. It was characterized by simple melodies and strong beats, popularized by early pioneers such as Bill Haley and the Comets, Ike Turner, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard.

By the 1960s, the genre began to evolve. The British Invasion introduced American audiences to bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who, propelling rock music into new territory. Rock diversified, incorporating folk, jazz, and spawning subgenres like hard rock, punk, alternative, and country-rock.

Despite this constant evolution, a purist thread has endured—an echo of the raw, blues-based foundation that rock ‘n’ roll was built upon. This lineage runs through iconic acts like The Yardbirds, The Faces, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, and the Allman Brothers Band, and continues with later figures such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, The Black Crowes, and The Black Keys.

Today, a new generation of musicians is reviving that vintage soul. Artists like Jack White, Marcus King, Larkin Poe, and Greta Van Fleet are infusing modern rock with the heart and grit of its origins. Among them is The Band Feel, a rising quartet that embodies this classic-meets-modern dynamic with stunning precision.

During the premiere episode of Season 6 of The Load Out Music Podcast, guitarist Tyler Armstrong reflected on this generational resurgence. “It’s not uncommon that young people are making music that nods to the past,” he said.

Formed just two years ago out of the now-disbanded Alton, Illinois-based group Nick Bifano and the Innocents, The Band Feel is already making waves. Led by the compelling creative partnership between Armstrong and lead vocalist Garrett Barcus, the group also features drummer T.J. Steinwart and bassist Kadin Rea. Together, they deliver electric live performances that blend the swagger of classic rock with a distinctly fresh energy.

Their on-stage chemistry has drawn comparisons to rock legends. Watching Armstrong and Barcus perform evokes memories of the iconic synergy between Robert Plant and Jimmy Page.

But the path to cohesion wasn’t without its challenges. “We learned to get used to each other,” Armstrong admitted, speaking from the Alton studio he co-owns with former bandmate Nick Bifano. “I think Garrett’s nervousness came off as a bit wild. It was just growing pains—nothing bad. I think Garrett’s and I’s relationship is just special.”

The band’s origins are rooted in Alton, with three of its four members local to the greater St. Louis area. Barcus, however, was found through a distinctly modern route—Instagram. The bond between Armstrong and Barcus had to be built slowly, like many meaningful creative partnerships.

“Garrett and I just had to learn to accept each other’s things,” Armstrong explained. “My dad always said, take what you like about your mom and I and leave what you don’t. You kind of have to apply that to your friends.”

Armstrong’s musical foundation is old-school—his inspirations lie in the 1960s era where rock ‘n’ roll was transforming into rock. Barcus draws from those influenced by Armstrong’s idols. Where Armstrong might pull from The Rolling Stones, Barcus leans into the legacy of artists like Chris Cornell, along with vocal icons such as Ray Charles and Robert Plant. It’s a different generation, but the same roots.

“We both just love music,” Armstrong emphasized. “Garret and I, our relationship is special. I’ll go back to [our song] Goodbye Virginia. That was a classic story of a half hour or something. I’ve never had that with someone. I’ve always written songs by myself, and having someone like Garrett is like butterfly moments. It’s like, wow. Pretty much a spiritual thing. It’s very cool.”

The Band Feel made their debut following the COVID pandemic, releasing an EP produced by five-time Grammy-nominated and ASCAP Award-winning producer Paul Moak at The Smokestack studio in Nashville. Their presence expanded as they joined Dirty Honey on the “Can’t Find The Breaks” tour, performing in over 30 cities across the U.S. in theater venues.

Despite the growing acclaim, Armstrong remains grounded and focused on the band’s internal chemistry. “We’re still pretty new to this thing,” he said. “I think we view ourselves as special, but it’s always interesting hearing it. The only expectation in this world is to treat someone as good as you can. It goes deeper than my surface-level statement. With the band, the only expectation is that you treat those of us in the band the best you can.”

With their blend of reverence for rock’s roots and a fearless pursuit of authenticity, The Band Feel proves that rock ‘n’ roll isn’t just alive—it’s thriving.