Lucy Fitzgerald 
Coach House return with their third album, “Protro”, and it sounds like a band that has spent real time growing together and figuring out who they want to be. The group comes from the northern suburbs of Chicago, and this new record continues their blend of indie and alternative rock while adding more depth and maturity to their sound. The story behind the album plays an important role in its unfolding. The band worked on these songs while navigating scattered university life, which brought a lot of reflection into the writing. The music touches on heartbreak, change, the passing of time, and the strange moment when youth slowly turns into adulthood. That mix of emotions gives the record a very human quality that listeners can easily connect with.
The tracklist moves between different moods in a way that keeps things interesting from beginning to end. Songs like “Spark Plug” and “Leaning Out for Love” bring a lively rush of energy and highlight the band’s knack for driving indie rock guitars and bright momentum. On the other side of the album, tracks like “One Moment Longer”, “Homesick”, and “Beyond Remedy” slow the pace and create a more reflective atmosphere, allowing the band’s songwriting to take center stage. The recording process also adds personality to the album. The project was recorded in a basement studio near Kenosha, Wisconsin, which gives the music a warm and grounded tone. Production duties were handled by band member Frank Pinn and engineer Jerry Baldy, with mixing assistance from friends in other bands. Frank also handled mastering this time, and the result is a record that feels cohesive from the first song to the last.
Coach House draws inspiration from a wide range of artists, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, The Strokes, and The Replacements. Those influences are evident in the guitar work and rhythmic energy, yet the band still manages to create something that clearly belongs to them. In my opinion, “Protro” works because the band sounds comfortable in their own space while still exploring new ideas. The balance between energetic songs and thoughtful moments makes the album enjoyable from start to finish. Another thing I appreciate is how natural everything sounds. Nothing feels forced, and that honesty helps the music connect in a simple and direct way.
If you enjoy discovering rising indie and alternative rock bands, make sure Coach House is on your radar. “Protro” offers a full listening experience that reveals new details with each spin, and it is definitely worth adding a few tracks to your playlists. After listening, take a moment to follow the band on social media and keep up with what they do next, because this record makes it clear that Coach House is only getting started.
Listening to songs so you don’t have to! Just kidding :D, you totally should. Music blogger by day, nurse by night
