Brooklyn band Commons 2 has never really been interested in staying in one lane, and thank god for that. Their sound is like if your record collection came to life and started a band: a little slacker rock here, some indie soul swirl there, a flicker of Britpop cool, and even the occasional nod to old-school hip-hop rhythms. It’s weird in all the right ways, but more importantly, it works.
Their latest track, “Part 3,” is the kind of song that sneaks up on you. It doesn’t rely on flashy production or overworked complexity, instead, it leans into the idea that less can actually be more. Just two or three chords, a bit of grit, and a raw, reflective energy that sticks with you.
The track is part of their upcoming Unconscious People, and it came out of a loose series of song sketches titled “Part 1,” “Part 2,” and so on, basically a musical experiment in keeping things simple. Some of those sketches made it onto the album under different names, but “Part 3” stayed as-is, and it feels like the emotional core of the whole project. It’s about screwing up, recognizing it, and trying to move on, not with dramatic flair, but with a sort of quiet acceptance that feels painfully real.
John Gallagher, the mastermind behind Commons 2, has spent over 15 years gigging and recording in all kinds of projects, but Commons 2 is where all those influences crash together. What started as a home recording experiment now lives and breathes on stages around NYC, from Arlene’s Grocery to The Delancey and all the rooftop shows in between.
“Part 3” is fuzzy, melodic, and oddly comforting, like the soundtrack to a moment you didn’t know you needed music for. It doesn’t try too hard, and that’s the beauty of it.
If you like your indie rock a little rough around the edges, emotionally honest, and completely unconcerned with fitting into a box, Commons 2 is one to watch. And “Part 3” is the perfect place to start.
