Meet Block & Galen

The Things We Do

Eric Block and Christopher Galen are veteran songwriters with a shared love of melody-driven ’70s and ’90s rock. Keen observers with a dry sense of humor, they steer clear of trends and empty sentiment. The Things We Do is their first full-length collaboration.

About This Album

The partnership began with Christopher tracking vocals and guitars for Eric’s Do The Void, and Eric writing lyrics for Christopher’s Illuminated. They enjoyed working together, so they decided to give co-writing a shot. The resulting songs explore choices and consequences; the stories we tell ourselves, and the stark differences “before and after.”

Eric and Christopher are interested in how people behave in the real world; how we strive to be better, and why we fall short. They explore these themes with humor, empathy, intricate melodies, and sophisticated production.

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What Musicians Say

Block & Galen's debut album The Things We Do has that welcome but rare characteristic that makes you think "Thank heavens someone is still writing and recording like this."This is because of the evident unflinching loyalty to the rock/pop of the 20th century - a loyalty that's not bloodless and reverent as you hear in so many other cases, but is in fact in the duo's DNA.Authentic is the word to describe this music, where they take some general inspiration from the era mentioned, but distill it into their own concoction in such a way that you can't pinpoint specific references, it's just what they do, and quite effortlessly, it would appear.There's that uncanny knack for contrasting dynamic verse/chorus conception so perfectly that it just rolls from the speakers like treacle, perhaps with a dash of spice here and there just to keep you off guard.And those lyrics! - meaningful, at times edgy, but always honest. Anyone who thinks all the best songs have already been written will be sorely disappointed by the high bar that's set here. Bravo!

Peter Kearns is a New Zealand-based multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and music producer who has been actively recording since 1981. Beyond his extensive solo and collaborative discography, he is an accomplished author widely recognized for his deep-dive OnTrack books examining music history and iconic artists. Visit Peter Kearns on BandCamp, Spotify, YouTube, and Ontrack Author Site

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