If you’re looking for an album with the laid-back ease of a cozy sweater combined with the wonky Americana spirit of a speed-balling Dylan, then Florry’s latest record, Sounds Like… is for you. Hailing from Philadelphia’s DIY circuit, Florry makes the kind of tunes that could just as easily belong in 1975 as they could in 2025. Led by songwriter Francie Medosch, the seven-piece is a riot of retro swagger and heart. It’s a must-listen for fans of Kurt Vile, MJ Lenderman, and twangy rock in general.
Sounds Like… follows 2023’s The Holey Bible, the outfit’s first full band effort, which earned critical acclaim. The latest 10-track project finds Florry even more locked in the groove, with sharper songs, richer production, and a noticeable boost in confidence.
From the opening roar of “First it was a movie, then it was a book,” Medosch’s fun, observational lyrics float atop a sea of blistering guitar solos and bouncing basslines. It’s a simple truth: a little pedal steel and harmonica will make you want to kick back with your buddies. Florry nails that feeling perfectly.
For fans of a straight-up love love song, “Hey Baby” is a must-listen. It’s less than three minutes of chaotically strummed acoustics and crashing cymbals that somehow capture the full turmoil of a failed romance.
For something a little sweeter, “Sexy” leans into Florry’s country influences. Medosch’s nasal vocals evoking a sense of longing over gentler instrumentation. It’s a strong contrast that adds just enough grit to keep the song from feeling too simplistic—or worse, just plain cheesy.
“Say Your Prayers Rock” imagines what might happen if The Band and Steely Dan joined forces. And the result is, frankly, pretty damn cool. Many musicians today throw themselves into either nihilism or narcissism. And honestly, who can blame them? That’s why there’s something refreshing about a return to good old-fashioned rock ‘n roll. Songs about love, loss, and hitting the road are relatable and blissfully unconcerned with the crushing weight of global issues.
Florry’s music hits just right when it’s blasting from a car stereo on a road trip or playing in the background on a lazy afternoon. Using a timeless framework, these highly melodic tracks lodge themselves in your brain and stay there. With Sounds Like…, Florry doubles down on everything that worked on their last full-length and cranks up the volume, creating a louder, sharper, and more confident experience. There’s no doubt these new songs will kill live. And with any luck, the album will bring a wave of new fans their way. Sit back, turn it up, and head bob along.
CONE Mag Score: 77/100
Byline: Sam Walker-Smart