Thomas and the Work-Men Drop Timely and Vibrant "Opaque"

Photo by Ryan Ransom

Thomas and the Work-Men, a Philly via Ohio five-piece funk-infused rock group, just released their first single of 2020, “Opaque,” with Free Dive Records. Recorded at Little Brother Audio in West Philly and recorded, mixed, mastered, and produced by Tyler Ripley, this tune is the perfect introduction to summer. With all the right hints of nostalgia, bright and punchy call-and-response vocals, and subtle undertones of a love song, “Opaque” does everything to make the listener feel warm. This sort of new-classic rock feel paired with a effervescent horns and funky guitar licks is the key to TWM’s signature “Philly inspired” sound.

Recorded over a week-long stretch just before the COVID-19 crisis hit the city, TWM spent fourteen-hour days in the studio perfecting this track, and its timing couldn’t be more perfect. Singer and guitarist Gino Frederico describes the track as “a love song, but it’s about finding love….’Opaque’ is about knowing there is something out there for you and pushing through all obstacles to get it.” Thematically, that can be applied to our current state beyond the limitations of love and romance. Right now, we’re all struggling to adapt to a new normal but the hope that this will pass and we’ll get back to our usual way of life is on the horizon. Let “Opaque” pull you out of the dredges of monotony, at last for a couple minutes, and remind you that summer is approaching things are going to get better.

TWM is set to release a video compilation of their week of recording with Ripley, and you can stream “Opaque” below and anywhere you find music.