Los Angeles-based indie rock duo Social Gravy, composed of Brad Kohn and Vee Bordukov, returns with their latest single “These Are The Times”—a warm, hook-laced ode to moments that define us. Known for their signature “romantic rock’n’roll” edge, this new release sees the band dialing down the distortion and leaning into their more tender, pop-rock sensibilities without losing the authenticity that fans have come to expect.
Released on May 31, 2025, the single follows the gritty energy of their previous track “Lone Wolf” and sets the tone for their long-anticipated EP due later this year. Where Lone Wolf roared, These Are The Times reflects.
From the very first notes, it’s clear that These Are The Times marks a sonic shift. The instrumentation is cleaner and more restrained than their earlier work, showcasing the duo’s ability to balance vulnerability with precision. There’s a nostalgic pulse to the track—somewhere between early 2000s alt-pop and classic rock ballads—but it never feels outdated. Instead, it carries a breezy charm that fits today’s more introspective pop-rock landscape.
The hook, “I’ve dreamt for a lifetime or two / Every second alive / These are the times,” hits with a quiet force, wrapping listeners in the kind of universal sentiment that has long been the hallmark of Social Gravy’s songwriting. The lyrics are sincere without being saccharine, drawn from a personal moment of inspiration—a quip from Brad’s former girlfriend during a sun-drenched afternoon in Santa Monica: “These are the times, Bradley, these are the times!” That spontaneous phrase became the emotional anchor for a track that honors fleeting joy, quiet reflection, and the power of presence.
What makes Social Gravy so compelling is their ability to blend emotional honesty with strong melodic instincts. With These Are The Times, they manage to push their own stylistic boundaries while remaining grounded in their roots. It’s a softer take on their “romantic rock’n’roll” identity, but it doesn’t sacrifice the heart or the songwriting chops that define them.
The track feels like the calm after a storm—the introspective breath after years of high-octane riffs and emotional weight. There’s a maturity in the arrangement and pacing that suggests a band not afraid to evolve. Yet despite the smoother production and more radio-friendly polish, there’s still that flicker of indie grit beneath the surface.
Since their debut in 2016 with “Fools,” and through the success of Behind Every Yes (2017), Social Gravy has steadily carved out a unique lane in the indie rock world. Their catalog has explored everything from sun-drenched California dreamscapes (California, 2019) to raw emotional terrain (Let It Out, 2019) and more introspective moods in A Different Kind (2020).
But These Are The Times might just be their most emotionally distilled release yet. It’s less about grand gestures and more about everyday beauty—the unassuming magic of a phrase said in passing, the simple joy of being present. It’s a song that feels personal, but somehow universal.
These Are The Times is more than just a solid indie pop-rock single—it’s a moment of pause and clarity in Social Gravy’s growing discography. With heartfelt lyrics, memorable melodies, and a sound that’s both modern and timeless, the track signals exciting new terrain for the band’s evolving identity.
As they gear up for the release of their new EP later this year, Social Gravy proves they’re not afraid to soften the edges and let the light in. If this single is any indication of what’s to come, we’re in for a collection that will tug at the heart and stay on repeat.
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