Big Wreck Embrace Pop Experimentation on New Single “Around”

LISTEN IN HERE

Canadian rock’n’roll legends Big Wreck are no strangers to reinvention. For nearly three decades, they’ve carved out a legacy defined by fearless musicianship, ambitious songwriting, and a refusal to stagnate. Following the relentless ripper “Holy Roller” and the thunderous “Believer,” the band now returns with their latest single, “Around.” Pulsating, melodic, and leaning closer to pop than their fans might expect, the track offers a glimpse into the creative restlessness that fuels their new studio album, The Rest of the Story, set for release on October 24, 2025 via Sonic Unyon.

For frontman Ian Thornley, the song’s direction came as both a surprise and a challenge. “I demoed it up like a Stones [tune], rough and tumble, cheesegrater acoustic, really dry drum sound. I was hearing it that way. Nick was like, No, no, what if we went totally the other way? What if we just went full pop? Huh? I blocked it first. Then I just thought, It's worth a shot. We could always go back the other way. It's something we know how to do well within our wheelhouse, but crafting a pop song… I like it when it's just a little bit uncomfortable. I like trying shit where I might be able to surprise myself with how much I like it. That became an exercise in making the guitar sound like it shouldn’t.”

That willingness to lean into discomfort has been a hallmark of Thornley’s songwriting since Big Wreck first exploded onto the scene in 1997 with their platinum-certified debut In Loving Memory Of…. With timeless hits like “The Oaf,” “That Song,” and “Blown Wide Open,” the band quickly cemented themselves as one of the most exciting forces in Canadian rock. Thornley’s virtuosic guitar work and emotive vocals gave the group a distinct identity, one that could seamlessly shift between hard rock anthems, progressive experiments, and soulful ballads.

In the decades since, Big Wreck’s evolution has been marked by both critical acclaim and commercial triumph. Albums like Albatross (2012) and Ghosts (2014) not only landed in the Top 5 on the Billboard Canadian Albums Chart but also proved the band’s staying power in an industry notorious for rapid turnover. “Albatross” made history as the band’s first No. 1 hit on Canadian rock radio, signaling their triumphant return and affirming their ability to connect with fans both old and new.

The accolades haven’t slowed. Earlier this year, Big Wreck were crowned official ambassadors for Record Store Day Canada, a role reserved for artists whose cultural impact transcends generations. Add to that a recent JUNO nomination for Rock Album of the Year, and it’s clear that Big Wreck’s legacy is still unfolding in real time. For Thornley and company, longevity is not just about survival—it’s about continually challenging themselves and their audience.

That spirit is evident in “Around.” While its sleek, pop-leaning sensibilities may initially catch longtime fans off guard, the song carries the same DNA that has always defined Big Wreck: meticulous attention to detail, masterful guitar textures, and Thornley’s unmistakable voice guiding the emotional core. Rather than abandoning their roots, the band is expanding them, proving that growth is not only possible but necessary for an act of their stature.

Beyond the studio, Big Wreck remain one of the most electrifying live acts on the circuit. Their shows are renowned for both technical precision and unfiltered energy, bridging the gap between prog-minded musicianship and visceral rock’n’roll release. Whether on massive U.S. tours or headlining Canadian festivals, the band continues to leave fans and critics in awe, a testament to the timelessness of their craft.

With The Rest of the Story, Big Wreck are once again poised to redefine what it means to be a legacy rock band. Instead of resting on past triumphs, they’re pushing forward—experimenting, surprising, and delivering music that feels vital in the present moment. “Around” captures that tension between familiarity and innovation, a track that honors their storied past while daring to imagine a new future.

For Big Wreck, the story has always been about more than just survival. It’s about resilience, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of something greater. And with The Rest of the Story, it’s clear their most exciting chapters are still being written.