Track by Track Record Review: The Props debut EP, “Arrow”
Just like a spear aiming directly at its target, Los Angeles alternative and indie rock band, The Props released their debut EP, “Arrow”
Just like a spear aiming directly at its target, Los Angeles alternative and indie rock band, The Props released their debut EP, “Arrow” on April 10, 2026 via BlueGrape Music. The record was produced by Carlos de la Garza known to be credited working alongside artists such as Paramore, The Linda Linda's, Destroy Boys, Jimmy Eat World and many more. The Props celebrated their EP release with a special LA show at The Virgil on April 15th with supporting artists Sludge Mother, Soko, and Elk Darling.
Formed in 2023, The Props is a four piece consisting of Nick Ruiz (vocals and guitar), Henry Dawson (lead guitar), Jersey Sullivan (bass) and Sam Edelman (drums). All connected by their love of music and strong brotherhood, the boys are destined to share their artistic talents into something transcendent. The band propels their sound due to their influences ranging from new wave to indie rock, pop, and alternative rock. Inspired by bands from the early 70s and 80s reminiscent of The Cure or Joy Division to modern rock bands such as Fontaines D.C or even the Arctic Monkeys. The range that The Props ensues is a great beneficial factor as their tracks take on a distinguished sound of their own. This will be one of the key sources for the bands success as it allows them to venture into different avenues in whichever direction they choose.
The first song on the EP starts off with the title track, ‘Arrow’with a single strum of a guitar chord that immediately foretells the ambience of the track followed by falsetto vocal harmonies. ‘Arrow’ is a track that delves into the mindset of an individual who is distraught by the thoughts and of their all destroying actions that affects a deeply personal relationship.
In the middle of the track, an absolute hard-hiring breakdown appears as the sudden screech of a guitar blares throughout the noise. It instantly builds an overwhelming tension into a massive overload of high voltage that sparks as the band strikes their instruments into its full potential. It constructs a wave of an unnerving array of sentiments that outpours into a head on collision of a forceful dynamic. The breakdown is a reflection of the whirlwind of broken hearted emotions and anxious uncertainty of a complicated relationship. The lyrics, “I didn’t wanna fear anything. Hit me with the shot upside my head”is an illustrative and commanding statement that is visually compelling.
The hard rock driven sound of ‘Arrow’ was the best choice as an opener that introduces fans to their EP. It encapsulates the range of emotions, its raw lyricism, and catchy melodies that is set to be followed by its proceeding tracks.
Next up, “White Noise” is the second track on ‘Arrow’ that begins with a 80s upbeat inspired guitar riff reminiscent of The Cure setting off the track with an upbeat melody that gravitates your attention. It's pop inflection writhing within the mix of the sound of an open guitar, groovy bass, and stomping drums. The hypnotic and dreamy vocals from Ruiz is like a soundscape that becomes picturesque. One of the catchiest parts of the track is the call and response within the lyrics, “(I got your number)”, “(Why won't you call me back?)”, “(Running through your White Noise)”, being repeated back. It’s a simple yet very infectious moment that makes you want to rewind the track over and over. This moment alone will be an energetic part of the show for fans to sing along to when performed live.
The third song on, “Arrow” is their lead single in support of the EP, ‘Se Llama (Tell Me You Want)’, is a brilliant debut that fully encapsulates The Props as a band. It merges all of the best characteristics of each instrument and blends it into one of the catchiest songs off “Arrow”. Its upbeat and pop infused elements in tangent with a plucky guitar riff takes the song to another level as it becomes a pure adrenaline rush. It has a demanding power which is showcased in the middle of the song as it includes a stripped vocal section that repeats the chorus line of the track. It holds your breath for a split second, letting listeners get a brief moment of clarity right before the band brings the full instrumentation back with a full force.
Afterwards the fourth track,'Camel Blues’ is immediately a classic with its indie pop introduction of shimmering guitar strums that hits just right which reminds me heavily of ‘Cardiac Arrest’ by Bad Suns. The slapping bass line in this track is prevalent and stands out from the rest as it becomes the first thing you hear. It aligns the song into a steady constant that drives the progression into wavering sounds that travel up and down, flowing seamlessly. The heaviness of the bass adds a grungy texture and balances the punchy drums creating a sonic void of a “Camel Blues” is a perfect track to listen to while driving down a longwinded road during sunset that will make your life feel cinematic. The melodic vocals along with the subtle inflections naturally infuses the song into a reborn indie rock track from the 90s that reflects the addictive and self-doubting emotional songwriting.
The last track, ‘Hexes & Ghosts’ stands out from the rest of the track due to its high burst of vocal delivery that ignites the song like the speed of light. The introduction quickly picks up by the fast pacing as the track fades in. The themes shown on ‘Hexes & Ghosts’ refer to masking yourself and striving for solace outside of the negative connotations of a one track mind. The haunting and falsetto vocals adds to the illusion of the underlying themes of the song of changing your identity, conforming into a certain environment, and facing your own struggles. The lyrics, ”Postcards, change your names, wherever we go, we’re Hexes and Ghosts” speaks out to the everchanging sentiments of not belonging. The rock and new wave influences can be heard in this song dominantly within the added cadence of distorted elements and fuzzy vocals.
“Arrow” is a debut EP that revolves around themes of heartbreak, insecurities, and emotional inner struggles while trying to uphold a composure and finding the light to break away from these obstacles. By shattering these beliefs and feelings, the individual will eventually learn to release the trauma and change the trajectory of their life for the better. The EP is sonically cohesive yet provides the substance in which each track sounds different from the other. The distinction mainly comes from the songwriting point of view that correlates directly to the emotion. The band has perfected their sound and lyrics so early on that their talents will achieve even greater success in the near future.
The Props are setting off into their first tour together starting on May 1st hitting states across the East Coast supporting Flight Attendant. The dates for the tour can be found here.
“Arrow” EP Tracklist- 1. Arrow / 2. White Noise / 3. Se Llama (Tell Me What You Want) / 4. Camel Blues / 5. Hexes and Ghosts