Getting Started – “pistonspeak”

The Chicago based indie rock band Getting Started is back with a fresh track called “pistonspeak”, and it hits with a lot of raw honesty. After putting out their self titled debut album last year, this brand new single kicks off their sophomore era for 2026. The 5 piece group is fully locked in creatively here, showing us exactly what they can do when everyone is pulling in the same direction. Jack Gallo handles vocals and rhythm guitar, Matt Stein is on lead guitar, Eddie O’Connor plays piano, Pat Hickey holds down the bass, and Jack Scanlon is on drums. Together, they create a steady, driving momentum that mirrors the internal conflict running through the lyrics.

The song captures a heavy mood of feeling low, getting lost in thought, and dealing with the exhaustion of repetitive daily routines. Lines about passing the same street and avenue over and over again paint a vivid picture of being stuck in place, trying to figure out how to find peace when you feel totally out of touch. It is a deeply relatable slice of emotional indie rock that feels like their strongest, most confident representation as a band so far.

The single cover art perfectly sets the tone before you even press play. It shows a beat up, dented maroon car sitting in what looks like a salvage yard under a gloomy sky, featuring an Illinois license plate that spells out PSTNSPK. It matches the song’s imagery of clear exhaust and moving through packed, worn out spaces.

I absolutely love this release, and it makes me excited for what the group is cooking up next. If you are new to their music, you should definitely check out the previous releases from Getting Started to hear how their sound has evolved. The band is hitting an incredible stride right now, and they are gearing up to play more shows around the country while releasing even more music during the back half of this year. You should definitely follow Getting Started on social media and streaming platforms to stay updated on everything they have coming your way in 2026.