With their newest release ‘All Along’, The Proper Hustlers offer a cool, slow-burning reflection wrapped in rich textures and quietly commanding grooves. As the second taste of their upcoming debut EP ‘Front Door is Open’, the track reveals a band already deeply comfortable in their own skin, blending genre instincts with genuine ease, and letting every instrument speak without rushing the conversation.
Frontman Ethan Stauffer leads the charge with a performance that’s both grounded and gently emotive, with his guitar work sliding effortlessly between restraint and flair. But what really elevates ‘All Along’ is the chemistry between the players. Alicia Paxson’s subtle vocal harmonies offer a touch of softness after each line, while the rhythm section (anchored by Carter Fox’s smooth basslines and Chris Fox’s intuitive drumming) keeps the track in steady motion. Joe Kenney’s keys add an understated shimmer, filling out the arrangement without overstepping.
There’s a laid-back confidence in the band’s delivery, but make no mistake, this is precision wrapped in looseness. The influence of jam-band sensibility and jazz-rooted exploration is there in the details, particularly in the way the instrumental sections breathe.
Stylistically, The Proper Hustlers manage to weave indie-rock with a quiet sense of funk and fusion, giving the track a warmth that feels timeless yet fresh. The lyrics may drift into ambiguity, but there’s clarity in the feeling; an undercurrent of having circled a truth for a while and finally letting it sit still.
With ‘All Along’, The Proper Hustlers invite you in. It’s an easy listen with a deep centre. And as a glimpse into their debut project, it’s a strong step, one that suggests this band has a lot more stories to tell in their own casually elegant way.
