Cinema Stereo – 12:34 (Cargo UK records)

With 12:34, Cinema Stereo confidently announce themselves as an intriguing new voice, delivering a debut that is ambitious and filled with a rich variety of songs that invite listeners back again and again. This Nashville based, high-energy alternative rock band brings vibrance and vintage musical backbone to the modern world that needs it most.

Originally from Orlando, Florida and now based in Nashville, Cinema Stereo have steadily built a reputation for fearless songwriting, emotionally honest lyrics, and captivating live performances. Drawing inspiration from artists including Tom Petty, The Strokes, Cheap Trick, Aerosmith, The Killers, and contemporary alternative music, the trio has developed a sound that feels cinematic, melodic, and unmistakably their own. Produced by acclaimed Nashville producer Paul Moak, 12:34 is the culmination of years of songwriting, touring, and creative exploration. Out today (2nd October), the album captures a band coming into its own across twelve songs that feel both deeply personal and sonically adventurous. Exploring themes of growing up, chasing dreams, relationships, self-doubt, hope, and finding clarity in life’s defining moments, 12:34 serves as both a snapshot in time and a bold introduction to one of Nashville’s most exciting emerging bands.

**Cinema Stereo (L-R): Seb Borysek (lead guitar), Jeff Lageveen (drums) & Ian Rayha (vocals, bass, guitar, keys)**
**Photo Credit: © John Gilhooley**

Rather than settling into one sound, 12:34 constantly evolves. Atmospheric textures layered vocal harmonies, shimmering guitars, synths, infectious melodies, and dynamic production create an album that rewards repeat listens. Every song occupies its own emotional space while contributing to a larger story that unfolds from beginning to end. “Working with Cinema Stereo was such a fun, exciting adventure. Ian’s songs are a fury of his creative energy matched with Seb’s guitars jumping out of the speakers. The band is so creative and exciting to be around. Every day the boys would walk in with fresh ideas for layers on the songs. This album was a true joy, and I’ve been lucky enough to see the energy live as well. Definitely go see them because it’s on another level!!” – Paul Moak

The album opens with Flood, immediately pulling listeners into its sharply edgy but melodic world. A driving rhythm keeps the pace ticking over nicely, guitar work and vocals not unlike Tom Petty, and perhaps drawing from the same Southern US well of inspiration. An impressive start! Over The Edge has an infectious energy, a relentless guitar line striaght out of The Strokes’ repertoire and positively demented vocals that remind me of another US band (albeit from New Jersey) Connor Bracken and the Mother Leeds Band – what might they be up to now?

Anyway, back to Cinema Stereo, and the songs are coming thick and fast. Now We Feel Special is the first of no less than four singles already released from the album, in recognition of the band’s accessibility, and ability to produce snappy radio-friendly rock tunes. This track delivers one of the record’s biggest hooks within a fresh, New Wave-ish feel. Seb’s guitar work is musically very like The Strokes although singer Ian Rayha very much has his own distinctive style of singing.

A Moment Of Feeling Alone reveals a quieter, more intimate side of the band, bringing the vibe down into bar-room blues territory. It still has that distinctive blend of guitar and vocals, they really are a timeless, architypal rock trio as they proceed to give the tune a real work-out.

The title track 12:34 is actually a very brief but tasty instrumental, launched on a platform of classic piano work from Ian with Jeff also letting rip on percussion. Its over very quickly.

The second half of the album continues to expand Cinema Stereo’s sonic palette – expectations balances optimism with introspection, all within a nicely phrased punchy riff. This one really reminds me of another classy young band we’ve reviewed in the past, the UK’s own Tax The Heat – where be they now? Expectations flows really well, around the mid-point Seb weaves his aural magic, I’m really impressed with the sheer musicianship of all three of these guys, they just sound so mature musically!

Ride To The Sun ploughs the same furrow of almost world-weary optimism within a sort of honky-tonk piano led number – shades of Elton John! The subsequent solo and work-out certainly confirm the PR headlines that each and every song has its own style, it’s what makes this album so eminently listenable.

Flowers is next, essentially a folky love song written and played in an emotionally mature manner, yet another suprising twist in this intriguing collection of tunes. This band is so much more than their “standard” PR photos might suggest!

Fan favourite Lean On You is another love song but delivered in a more upbeat, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers style. Extremely dancable. All I Want is next, this one reminds me of an old UK band Blue (the proper, original 70’s one), it’s what you might call classic college rock, also very reminscent of Cheap Trick in their pomp – always a good thing, anothe one where you can’t keep your feet still.

Tears is another short instrumental, albeit a tad longer than the title track, a nicely psychedelic vibe. Swiftly followed by the cinematic finale Proxima, this is quite heavy and a perfect vehicle for the workout that ensues. An edgy riff, tantalising bursts of solos, strong vocals and a nice fat sound brings the album to a powerful conclusion.

The album was recorded at The Smoakstack in Nashville with producer Paul Moak, engineered by Zack Zinck with assistant engineer Brendon Hapgood, mixed by Paul Moak, and mastered by Sam Moses. The striking album artwork was created by legendary pop artist Kii Arens, whose vibrant visual style perfectly complements the record’s spirit and colourful personality.

Following the release of 12:34, Cinema Stereo will embark on their first full European and UK headline tour, bringing the new album to audiences across Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom throughout October, November, and December 2026 (see tour poster below).

With 12:34, Cinema Stereo confidently announce themselves as an intriguing new voice in alternative rock, delivering a debut that is ambitious and filled with a rich variety of songs that invite listeners back again and again. The standard of musicianship throughout is surprising mature for a trio making their recorded debut!