Chicago indie rock band The Back Alley channel the longing of being apart and the hope of finding one another again on “Pick Me Up,” a heartfelt single that bridges the group’s past and future ahead of their debut album, ‘Back At Home.’

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Stream: “Pick Me Up” – The Back Alley

Indie rock is on the rise now more than ever, with a brand new roster of up-and-coming artists ready to make history.

The Back Alley is no different, as they’ve been opening for promising acts in the scene while building their own fanbase and headlining.

Formed in 2022, the group consists of lead singer Ralph Porter, guitarist Jaden Cone, drummer Ben Kremer, guitarist Sal Defilippis, and bassist Hunter Olshefke.

The Chicago-based five-piece is about to enter into a new era with the announcement of their debut album, Back At Home, releasing on January 22, 2027. They’ve introduced this project with their fresh and passionate single, “Pick Me Up.” As the band explains in a statement:

“We chose to announce the album with ‘Pick Me Up’ because it feels like a perfect transition from the past Back Alley sound of catchy guitar licks and melodies – songs like ‘Brand New’ and ‘Neon Jeans’ – to the open and mature sound we have found within the new album Back At Home. ‘Pick Me Up’ feels like a comfortable mix of both eras of the band. The new, and the old.”

“Pick Me Up” is exactly what it sounds like. Everyone needs a “pick me up” from time to time, whether that’s a person, a cup of coffee, a place, or something else entirely. People find joy in different ways, and for The Back Alley, it’s through the love they experience.

This single was written on the road and captures the uncertainty that comes with life. It’s about the circumstances that keep you away from your person and doing everything you can to make it work. The lyrics contain that romantic longing, and you can’t help but sing along. At the same time, each line is also hopeful, showing that the band will do whatever it takes to preserve the love in their lives.

Won’t you follow me now
Picking me up when I fall down
When the world’s on my shoulders
I can’t see the light
Maybe one day it might feel right
So love, won’t you follow me now

When this person is around, it’s like a weight is lifted off your shoulders. They don’t just pick up your mood but help carry your burdens with you. The mud lyric below kind of perfectly describes this idea of walking in “dirty” or feeling down and hoping to come out of the interaction completely changed or “clean.” Another way to interpret it is as a wish to cling to this person as a lifeline during these moments, with them right alongside you.

Dragging mud in on my shoes
And the carpet’s stained from the roof
The ceiling’s caving in
Echoes in my head
Is it you at the door
Oh why
Do I need you more

This song is just a taste of everything else The Back Alley has in store over the next couple of months.

The band’s biggest headline tour to date begins January 27, 2027, just days after the album arrives. While you wait, be sure to stream the new single, and perhaps it may be the song to pick you up during the day. So get ready, because indie rock is here to stay, and so is The Back Alley.

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Stream: “Pick Me Up” – The Back Alley

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