Originally Published, May 21st, 2026
Here lately, The Boss (aka Bruce Springsteen) has been getting a bit of press. A new biopic about his early career showed some box office success and his strong political stance has been headlining social media outlets as the current administration continue to try to silence and criticize anyone who would object to them.
I think that’s funny.
Anyone who is remotely familiar with The Boss knows that he has always been socially and politically charged, unapologetically outspoken, and has always fought for the oppressed. His voice, his music, and his actions have inspired millions in America and throughout the world. It is part of his legacy. He isn’t just a great musician. He stands up against bullies.
Brian K. Pagels and Stephen Russ were so inspired by artists like The Boss, Tom Petty, and Elvis Costello, that they formed their own band. Based in the DC area, Brian K & The Parkway took their roots-oriented rock and expanded into their own form of storytelling. They released their debut album, Killing the Bear, in 2024, and have been touring the US since that time, making stops in 16 different states and DC. They have appeared on major network television, including Today in Nashville, and have been featured on nearly 40 radio stations across the US and Canada.
Currently, they’re poised to release their sophomore album, Roses & Kerosine, and have already begun releasing singles for the upcoming album. They have an upcoming show on June 19th with Ovven in DC and have a series of shows slated later in the fall.
The Beachcomber
The Beachcomber is the latest single from DC – based indie rock band, Brian K & The Parkway. It is their second release of 2026, after February’s Crows in Camouflage. Releasing on April 14th, The Beachcomber runs at a touch over 4 minutes. It features Brian K. Pagels on vocals and guitar, Stephen Russ on drums, Cat Popper on bass, Rob Clores on keys, Mike Shade on guitar, and Erin Ryan on backing vocals. It was produced by Stephen Russ and Mike Reina, recorded at The Brink in Richmond Virginia, and Parkway South in Alexandria, Virginia.
When I listen to Killing the Bear, I hear a lot of nostalgic influence in the overall vibe of that album. Namely, musicians they’ve cited as inspirations to them, like Elvis Costello or Tom Petty. The album is heavily, as they say themselves, roots-oriented, rock. Maybe even Southern Rock, Americana, or Rockabilly. The Beachcomber still has that influence but they’ve now added a little bit of Surf Rock, Surf Punk, etc. to the sound here. As the song seems to be inspired by an experience that took place in a beach setting, it could be thematically influenced. However, I even hear the subtle incorporation of a new influence in Crows in Camouflage as well. The music has become just a touch more complex, as they experiment more with rhythm breaks and transitional moments within the music. There is also a notable diversification of instrumentation in both Crows in Camouflage and The Beachcomber, as I hear more keyboard work in these songs. The keyboard is definitely featured on Killing the Bear, I think it is just perhaps used differently on these songs. I like the (subtle) shift.
The Beachcomber is so clean in the production. I’m really drawn to Russ’ work on percussion. From the awesome intro fill to the dynamics with adding addition percussion instruments like the tambourine. He is a pocket drummer, disciplined, but he really has a feel for adding fills to the song. Pagels takes every single queue, his vocals align with the tempo and transitions perfectly. Pagels also kills it on rhythm guitar. Between the two, they really lay the foundation for rhythm and melody for the song.
Brian K. Pagels performs the vocals very well, both lyrically and melodically. His style is amphibious as he balances storytelling with instrumentation seamlessly. He has a warm tone to his voice, strong pitch control, and his baritone range is broadly used throughout the song.
I’m not sure whether or not The Beachcomber, Crows in Camouflage, or last year’s release of Scarecrow will be on their upcoming album, but I do hear growth in these songs. Brian K & The Parkway aren’t shifting or changing their sound, their influence, or their overall vibe, but they are improving and expanding on it. The feel in these latest tracks, The Beachcomber in particular, is very exciting and bodes well for how Roses & Kerosene will be received once it releases.
Fifteen Minutes of Fame Music Entertainment 
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