In a music landscape increasingly dominated by overly polished, synthetic sounds, Stefski & Hutch’s latest single “Selling Lies” from their album of the same name is a breath of fresh, gritty air. With a sound that is unapologetically “actual rock,” this duo manages to cut through the noise with a hard-edged, no-frills, no-BS approach that harkens back to the golden days of rock while injecting their own modern sensibilities.
Stefski & Hutch is a trans-European powerhouse founded in 2016 by Stéphane “Stefski” Wlodarczyk, a Parisian songwriter with a penchant for world music, and Tomasz “Hutch” Bogacki, a Warsaw-born guitarist and sound engineer. Their journey began with the release of their EP Classic Rock?!? in 2017, a title that provocatively posed a question they’ve since answered with a resounding, riff-laden “yes.” Following the success of their early releases and the self-produced album aimed at Polish audiences in 2020, the duo took complete control of their sound, with Hutch handling all recording and mixing duties. The result? A sonic precision that captures the raw essence of 90’s alternative rock, layered with influences from the 70’s, the birth of indie rock, and even thrash metal.
“Selling Lies” encapsulates this evolution perfectly. From the first riff, you’re hit with a wave of authenticity that is sorely lacking in today’s music. The guitars are raw, the drums unyielding, and the vocals delivered with a snarling intensity that commands attention. There’s an urgency to the track that’s reminiscent of the best of 90’s rock, but with a distinct freshness that keeps it from feeling like mere nostalgia.
The band’s ability to draw on such a diverse array of influences is evident throughout the track. Hutch’s guitar work, undoubtedly honed through a lifetime of exposure to genres as varied as jazz, blues, and funk, courtesy of his pianist father Janusz Bogacki, provides a dynamic backbone that supports Stefski’s evocative lyrics and vocal delivery. Meanwhile, Stefski’s upbringing in the multicultural tapestry of Paris lends an undercurrent of world music rhythms and structures, adding depth to their sound.
“Stefski & Hutch is a band that thrives on authenticity and depth,” the press kit might say, and in “Selling Lies,” they deliver just that. This isn’t music designed by committee or focus-grouped into oblivion; it’s rock at its core – raw, unpolished, and real. It’s the kind of track that reminds you why you fell in love with rock music in the first place.
In an era where the lines between genres are increasingly blurred and often sanitized, Stefski & Hutch stands out by staying true to their roots. “Selling Lies” is more than just a song; it’s a statement. A declaration that real rock music isn’t just alive – it’s kicking down the door and demanding to be heard.