Few bands manage to balance genre-bending creativity with pure, feel-good energy quite like Water Street. Their new single “Closer,” releasing October 15, 2025, isn’t just another track — it’s a confident statement of artistic evolution. Drawing from their indie roots in Blairstown, New Jersey, the band merges nostalgia, soul, and pop-rock exuberance into an irresistibly upbeat anthem about connection, trust, and surrendering to possibility.
“Closer” is the lead single from Water Street’s upcoming fifth album, and it’s clear from the opening bars that this release was crafted with intent. The band — made up of Julia Aiello, Eddie Woodcock, Dave Paulson, Connor Konecnik, and Alex Kerssen — collaborated with Philadelphia indie label Free Dive Collective to create a track that feels both familiar and fresh. Recorded at Little Brother Audio Recording with engineer and producer Tyler Ripley, the song shows the band stepping into a more polished, genre-conscious space without losing their signature warmth.
Influenced by acts like Lake Street Dive, Couch, and Lawrence, “Closer” radiates a playful energy that lives in the space between indie pop, soul, and classic 80s rock. It’s full of joyful horn arrangements, lively guitar riffs, and vocals that soar without ever losing their grounded emotional center.
Instrumentally, “Closer” is a vibrant tapestry. Bluesy electric guitars lay the groundwork, giving the track a punchy, confident pulse. A bright and driving horn section adds infectious layers that lift the chorus into a space that feels made for dancing — or at least smiling unconsciously as you listen.
There’s an undeniable nod to 80s rock in the arrangement, but the production keeps things fresh and modern. Water Street doesn’t lean on nostalgia as a crutch; they use it as a brushstroke in a larger, more textured sound.
Julia Aiello’s lead vocals are the emotional centerpiece of “Closer.” Her tone is crisp and dynamic, striking a balance between power and playfulness. She carries the melody with confidence, her phrasing matching the song’s message of openness and connection. Backing harmonies from the rest of the band wrap around her like sunlight filtering through a window — warm, bright, and effortless.
Lyrically, “Closer” is a song about allowing yourself to lean into love and possibility. It’s about that exhilarating moment when walls come down and you let yourself be seen — and loved — fully. This theme is mirrored perfectly in the music’s upbeat tempo and celebratory energy. It’s the sound of letting go in the best way possible.
What makes this single even more significant is its role as a marker in the band’s journey. As the first release from their upcoming album, “Closer” isn’t just a standalone track — it’s a promise of what’s to come. It shows a band that knows exactly where they want to go, blending their Americana/indie foundation with deliberate, genre-spanning choices.
Water Street has built their reputation not just through recordings but through their high-energy live shows. Having recently opened for Couch at Maplewoodstock in summer 2025, they’re no strangers to electrifying crowds. “Closer” feels like a song built to thrive in that kind of setting — a track that will land even harder when shared between a band and an audience in motion.
With “Closer,” Water Street delivers a radiant, carefully crafted anthem that’s equal parts nostalgic and forward-thinking. It’s a love song, a dance song, and a statement of growth. By leaning into horns, hooks, and heart, the band has created something that feels both celebratory and intentional.
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