Known for their genre-fluid sound and electrifying live shows, Virginia-based rock band Kendall Street Company is thrilled to announce the release of their latest single, "Billy Pilgrim (I Think We've Been Here Before)". Inspired by the timeless themes of discontent and existential angst, the track marries the punchy spirit of mid-90s alternative rock with the band’s trademark creativity and lyrical depth.
Described by bassist and songwriter Brian Roy as “a product of something I like to call ‘The Enlightened State,’” the single was born from a band-only songwriting retreat at Deep Creek Lake. Roy cites the song’s lyrics as a reflection of both his admiration for Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five and his frustration with today’s current events, striking a balance between personal introspection and universal commentary. “I wrote the lyrics from a place of general malaise, but as we worked to complete the song, the words shifted to mirror my disgust with the state of America,” Roy explained.
LISTEN | Kendall Street Company - Billy Pilgrim
Featuring distortion-driven, driving riffs, a scorching guitar solo, and an earworm of an anthemic hook, "Billy Pilgrim" perfectly captures the energy and angst that define the American experience today. It's a track that further cements Kendall Street Company’s ability to sonically innovate, using crunchy guitar tones to propel a powerful message. Conceptually rooted in the themes of free will, time, and human absurdity found in Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five, “Billy Pilgrim” weaves abstract literary inspiration into a modern-day protest anthem.
The release of "Billy Pilgrim" is yet another highlight in what has already been a breakout 2024 for Kendall Street Company. Renowned for their improvisational flair and genre-hopping style, the band has earned comparisons to legends like Frank Zappa, Pink Floyd, and John Prine, while their live performances blend spontaneity, humor, and musical talent into unforgettable moments.
This year, the band delivered not only thrilling live collaborations with acts like Pigeons Playing Ping Pong but continued their impressive streak of recording, writing, and releasing groundbreaking music. With more than 100 original songs across seven studio albums, live recordings, and EPs, Kendall Street Company defies writer’s block with sheer creative output. They’ve graced stages at premier festivals, including LOCKN’, Floydfest, High Sierra, and Summer Camp, showcasing their magnetic and boundary-pushing performances to an ever-growing fan base.
From their roots in Virginia to performing coast-to-coast, Kendall Street Company has also expanded their sound through scenic recording sessions like their “Live From the Foothills” project and by releasing fan-favorite covers—from Billie Eilish to DEVO—keeping audiences guessing and engaged.
While the humor and camaraderie that define the band remain alive and well, “Billy Pilgrim” is a fitting counterpart to studio single and music video “Petrified” (released 10/31), highlighting their ability to tap into deeper wells of emotion and reflection, offering listeners an accompanying catharsis for today’s turbulent societal landscape.
WATCH | Kendall Street Company - Petrified
KSC’s remaining 2024 tour dates include shows at historic venues like Mercury Lounge in NYC and a final blowout at Charlottesville’s Jefferson Theatre on December 23.For more information about Kendall Street Company or to purchase tickets for their upcoming tour, visit their official website at www.kendallstreetcompany.com.
"Billy Pilgrim (I Think We've Been Here Before)" is available now on all streaming platforms.
