Brian K & The Parkway, a duo comprising Washington, DC area musicians Brian K. Pagels and Stephen Russ, formed in 2021. Their music, a nod to the ‘70s rock sound of artists like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and Warren Zevon, is guitar-based, roots-oriented rock, infused with a healthy dose of soul and R&B. The duo dubs their sound “coastal heartland rock,” reflecting the fact that their major influences are artists that hail from coastal areas such as New Jersey, Florida, and California, but are known for their own mix of classic heartland rock. Their debut album Killing The Bear’s overarching theme addresses our ever-increasing inability as humans to deal with the ‘source of our problems. Instead we look to surface-level, near-term solutions, and then declare immediate victory. The music evokes a victory lap, when in fact the characters are often going nowhere.

Love for Brian K & The Parkway

“To play rock ‘n’ roll live is a gift granted to those who can channel the spirit that hovered over their own adolescence and provide it form with words and phrases, chords and rhythms, flanging and tremolo, chorus and delay. <Brian K & The Parkway> possess this gift.”
Americana Highways

“…the themes he touches on–problems and how to cope with them, detailed in striking lyrical vignettes set to expansive tunes–lend themselves to his emphatic, unhurried delivery. “Is The Grass Really Greener (In the Green Mountain State)” comes across like a lost Drive-By Truckers track circa Southern Rock Opera while invoking biblical plagues in a tale of getting the hell out of town, for better or worse.”
Jasper Magazine

“In its entirety, ‘Killing The Bear‘ serves as a testament to Brian K & The Parkway’s adeptness at seamlessly melding vintage influences with contemporary sensibilities. The result is a compelling and cohesive debut album that resonates with both nostalgia and relevance.”
Last Day Deaf

“I really hope there will be more ears on Brian Pagels and this project eventually because he is so talented, he can do so many things, and he just sounds so damn good when doing those things.”
JK Music Reviews

Love for “Wind the Clock”

Named a “Best New Track” by Unrecorded

“…a refreshing departure from the norm… this track doesn’t tiptoe into the music scene—it bursts in with a guitar riff that’s more like a siren call and a drum groove that refuses to play by the rules. Beyond the beats, it’s a social commentary on the tribal chaos we’re drowning in. It’s not just music; it’s a rebellion wrapped in hope, a middle finger to the mundane, a soundtrack for those carving paths through the noise.”
Last Day Deaf

“...really highlights this focus on songwriting and storytelling while embracing an energetic and uplifting musicality that is guitar driven, rooted in rock and roll...”
Alchemical Records

“...a light, infectious composition. The steady bass line and disco-esque 2/4 time keeping on the drums form the foundation of the arrangement. The vocals and guitar build on that foundation, blending vintage pop and disco influence with more modern pop leaning for a unique whole that is certain to keep listeners engaged and entertained.”
Mayhem Rockstar Magazine

“The biggest highlight, however, is the album’s first single, Wind the Clock. Lyrics are really solid, the sonics are full of personality, and Pagels’s singing commands you to listen.”
JK Music Reviews

Love for “Straight Through” feat. Cat Popper

“Reminiscent of The Band with a spunky roots rock meets art pop vibe, the song finds the band leaning into a sound that is reflective yet forward-thinking and fun. Popper provides playful harmonies and there is an airy vibe of positivity that permeates throughout the song.”
Glide Magazine

“A captivating indie-pop/rock song with lovely harmonies soaring effortlessly over soaring guitar riffs seamlessly intertwined with punchy drums and a bluesy vibe that together create quite a memorable listening experience packed with energy and emotion.”
Caeser Live N Loud