Limited-edition release uses bone-conduction technology as band previews Second To None
Toronto indie rock outfit The Get Alongs is re-emerging with an unconventional rollout strategy for its latest single, “Come On,” offering both a sonic and experiential preview of its upcoming album Second To None, due June 19, 2026.
The track, which became publicly available on April 17, marks the band’s first release since its debut LP and signals a more refined approach to songwriting and production. It also arrives packaged in a limited-edition format that stands out even in an industry known for experimentation: a lollipop that plays the song directly into the listener’s head via bone-conduction technology.
A Novel Format Meets Familiar Sound
“Come On” blends jangly guitar tones with a loose, road-tested energy that draws from classic indie and alternative influences. The track channels elements reminiscent of acts like The Brian Jonestown Massacre and Oasis, while maintaining a distinctly Toronto identity shaped by the band’s roots in the city’s Queen West music scene.
The single’s release format is designed to create a more immersive listening experience. The lollipop uses vibration technology to transmit audio through the teeth and jawbone, sending sound directly to the inner ear. By bypassing the eardrum, the track is perceived internally rather than externally, offering a novel way to experience recorded music.
While unconventional, the approach reflects a broader trend among independent artists seeking to differentiate releases in a crowded digital marketplace.
A Decade in the Making
Formed in 2017, The Get Alongs—comprised of Harrison Pickernell (vocals, rhythm guitar), Rory Pickernell (lead guitar), Eric Wood (bass), and Tristan Catenacci (drums)—have spent nearly a decade developing a sound that fuses 1960s garage rock, 1970s power pop, and 1990s alternative influences.
Their earlier material leaned toward a raw, instinctive style, characterized by surf-inspired textures and lo-fi indie rock sensibilities. With Second To None, the band retains those foundational elements but delivers them with greater clarity and precision.
“Come On” exemplifies that evolution. The track features bright, driving guitars layered over a steady rhythm section, creating a dynamic interplay between looseness and control. Its structure emphasizes immediacy and memorability, aiming to balance accessibility with edge.
Recording Shift Signals Growth
Montreal sessions mark a more focused production process
The upcoming album represents a shift not only in sound but also in how the band approaches recording. Second To None was tracked at Holy Mountain Sound in Montreal under the guidance of producer Clayton Dupuis.
Unlike previous projects, which were developed in more familiar environments, the band opted for a more immersive studio experience. By living and working on-site, they prioritized detail and experimentation, refining tones and arrangements through a series of concentrated sessions.
Additional contributions from AJ Krome of Shallow and musician Josh Campos further expand the album’s sonic palette. Despite these collaborative elements, the band maintains its core identity, avoiding overproduction while enhancing overall depth.
Strategic Positioning in Indie Landscape
The release of “Come On” positions The Get Alongs within a competitive indie rock landscape where innovation in both sound and delivery can be critical to gaining attention. By combining a familiar genre foundation with a distinctive release mechanism, the band is leveraging both nostalgia and novelty.
The strategy may also serve to deepen fan engagement ahead of the album’s release, offering a tangible, shareable experience that contrasts with the largely intangible nature of streaming.
Looking Ahead
With Second To None slated for release in June, “Come On” provides an early indication of the band’s direction—one that balances refinement with experimentation. As independent artists continue to explore new ways to connect with audiences, The Get Alongs’ approach underscores the potential for creative formats to complement evolving musical identities.
Whether the lollipop format proves to be a one-off novelty or part of a broader strategy remains to be seen, but it has already succeeded in generating curiosity around a band entering its next phase.