The story of ONE STEP CLOSER and their newest release, “All You Embrace“, begins in the heart of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where the band members have always believed that hardcore music knows no limits. With their latest album, out today via Run For Cover Records, they’ve proven this once again, pushing their boundaries and exploring new territories while staying true to their roots.
“All You Embrace” finds ONE STEP CLOSER diving into more vulnerable and emotional themes without losing the intensity and energy that defines them.
The band’s evolution has been praised by critics, with Stereogum noting their ability to “kick up a ruckus” while exploring emotional depths. Uproxx highlighted their expanded sound range, and BrooklynVegan appreciated their lean into grunge and alternative rock without sacrificing their hardcore essence. FLOOD Magazine described the album as a “furious ball of energy” packed with hooky melodies and angst-fueled riffs.
As guitarist Ross Thompson puts it, this release encapsulates who they’ve become: “We’re ONE STEP CLOSER, a straight-edge band from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.”
The album’s early singles captured the attention of major music outlets, setting the stage for what listeners can now experience in full. Tracks like “Color You” and “Leap Years” showcase the band’s melodic hardcore roots, while songs like “The Gate” and “Slow To Let Go” highlight their foray into grunge and alternative rock, creating a dynamic and ambitious collection.
Vocalist Ryan Savitski expressed his desire to present ONE STEP CLOSER in their “fullest state,” striving for authenticity and self-expression in every track. This dedication is evident in the album’s rich diversity of sounds and themes, reflecting the band’s growth and the changes they’ve experienced since their previous releases, This Place You Know (2021) and Songs For The Willow (2023).
The band’s journey with “All You Embrace” has also been marked by collaborative efforts. Recording with Jon Markson, who also played bass, and sessions with Knocked Loose’s Isaac Hale and Citizen’s Mat Kerekes, helped the band refine their vision and embrace creative risks. This collaborative spirit pushed them to explore new directions, making the album their most expansive and ambitious work to date.
Touring in support of “All You Embrace” is a crucial part of ONE STEP CLOSER’s mission to connect with fans. Their upcoming UK and EU dates with ARM’S LENGTH, followed by a massive US co-headlining tour with ANXIOUS and KOYO, promise to bring their powerful live performances to audiences far and wide.
Upcoming Shows:
5/25 Hatfield, UK @ Slam Dunk Festival
5/26 Leeds, UK @ Slam Dunk Festival
5/27 Nottingham, UK @ Rescue Room +
5/28 London, UK @ The Dome +
5/29 Southampton, UK @ Papillon +
6/27 Kingston, PA @ Doug’s Boardroom –
6/28 Columbus, OH Ace of Cups *
6/29 Chicago, IL Avondale Music Hall *
6/30 St. Louis, MO Duck Room *
7/2 Omaha, NE Reverb *
7/3 Denver, CO Marquis *
7/6 Salt Lake City, UT Kilby *
7/7 Boise, ID The Shreddar *
7/8 Seattle, WA Neumos *
7/9 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theatre *
7/11 Sacramento, CA Goldfield Trading Post *
7/12 Santa Cruz, CA The Vet Hall *
7/13 Los Angeles, CA Sound & Fury *
7/14 Los Angeles, CA Sound & Fury *
7/16 San Diego, CA SOMA Side Stage *
7/17 Mesa, AZ The Nile *
7/19 Austin, TX Far Out *
7/20 Dallas, TX Club Dada *
7/21 Houston, TX White Oak Downstairs *
7/23 Pensacola, FL Handlebar *
7/24 Tampa, FL The Orpheum *
7/25 Jacksonville, FL Underbelly *
7/26/Chapel Hill, NC Local 506 *
7/28 Washington, DC Union Stage *
7/30 Lake Como, NJ Salty’s *
7/31 Long Island, NY Amityville Music Hall ^
+ w/ Arm’s Length
* w/ Anxious, Koyo, Prize Horse
^ w/ Koyo, Prize Horse
– w/ Koyo, Arm’s Length
