Quarter Roy

Quarter Roy – College Rock's New Local 'Darlins' (hoping to keep to 1 page depending on space?)

by Ward Hughey

It was a little over a year ago when I first caught a live set of the Flagler College band Quarter Roy. That performance of what I could best describe at the time as “dreamy indie surf pop” gripped my attention enough that I made it a point to keep up with what they were doing from then on. Then, in April of last year, they dropped their single “Monday'' and in doing so cemented their place as a band on the rise. From that point on many of us have been “waitin’ on the weekend” with our heads on a swivel keeping an eye on where and what the band was up to next.

Since the “Monday” release, the indie rockers have been busy writing, performing and living the college rock life. Some highlights during this time have included playing for the students and faculty of Flagler College at Flagler Festival, as well as being part of Jacksonville’s “super cool” Winterland Festival. They have also grown as a band learning valuable lessons. As lead singer Gabi Yost puts it, they now understand that “being flexible is a virtue,” as well as how important it is to “trust your band mates because everyone has a different perspective.”

Recently Quarter Roy dropped a new single and in doing so have solidified their place of respect in both the local scene and beyond. Recorded at Jacksonville University with Taylor Neal, “Darlin’” is sonically lush without resorting to being a wall of sound. The track is dreamy, catchy and inherently universal to all of us that have ever felt a longing for someone. When asked for more insight, Gabi shared that the song “is essentially about having a crush and not knowing how to exactly act on it, but wanting to really bad, but also having this preconceived notion of how that person would be and hoping that it will work out in your favor if you built up the courage.” For any of us that have struggled to connect with another person this song reaches straight to the core. Based on the response from fans, as well as the connection formed while writing the track, it was only fitting that it be released on Valentine’s Day.

Not only is “Darlin’” a song that I am sure listeners will be rocking with for many weeks to come, but it is also the title track for Quarter Roy’s upcoming EP. Made up of 4 tracks that, like the band, have grown over time. This release is one that Gabi says “encapsulates the Quarter Roy sound very well.” Based on what “Darlin’” sounds like, I am excited to hear the rest. While the release date is not set in stone just yet, Gabi did say they are looking to sometime this month.

Quarter Roy is; lead singer and rhythm guitarist Gabi Yost, bass guitarist Kaylie Gesky and

lead guitar and backup vocals Tyler Cooper-Kolb. You can find “Darlin’” and previous releases wherever you stream music. Be sure to follow their social media for future show dates and keep on the lookout for the new EP.