Candle-Burn Brightly EP

The striking ‘70s private press-like album cover first caught my attention and the trio’s intriguing name provided the impetus to check out their sound. Candle hail from Lynwood. It's one of many cities that comprises the colossus of Los Angeles-each separated and distinct with its own character, yet connected to the incomprehensible whole by the racetrack freeways.   

This EP has the band leaning strongly in the direction of rural rock. In the long-standing L.A. tradition, they tap into the city's country & western ethos as they are informed by trailblazers such as the Byrds and Buffalo Springfield. Like their forebears their melodic pop inclinations are ever present. “If I'd Known Better” can best be described as Big Star meets Beachwood Sparks. Juan Galaviz makes his Rickenbacker roll to emulate the sound of a banjo to strike up some good twang reminiscent of the Dillards. With their unison vocals, “When You Know I Need You Most” evokes the Byrds in general and “John Riley” in particular on the intro before embarking into the terrain of Teenage Fanclub. The lovely melody appears on the forefront, while pedal steel guitar embellishments provided by Jacob Nevarez assuage the forlorn lyrics of unrequited love.

“Somebody, Anybody” has them going further out into the country with the pedal steel guitar taking up a more prominent role like Red Rhodes accompanying Michael Nesmith & The First National Band. “Miss My Home” might be a nod to Buffalo Springfield’s “On The Way Home,” but sounds primarily inspired by Baby Lemonade’s yearning ballads on Exploring Music. The song's tugging refrain has been playing on repeat in my head throughout this week. While their lyrics are refreshingly direct, they are also open to interpretation and convey the emotional vicissitudes of continually shifting relationships.

L-R: Fabian Soltero (drums, vo.), Nicolas Velazco (bass, vo.)
Juan Galaviz (guitar, vo)-Photo by Priscilla Luna 

One of their live performances from December 2025 surfaced on YouTube and has trio appearing to be a Beatles-esque pure pop band. Two unexpected covers, the Rubinoos’ “Alright Without You.” and “I Hope” by Scott McCarl (of Raspberries and Yellow Hair), were featured in their set and seamlessly blended with their originals. Their sound even reminded me a little of Street the Beat. Besides supplying backing vocals, the video also revealed that drummer Fabian Soltero can also take on lead vocals. Additional clicking around uncovered their catchy “Couldn’t Fake It” single that radiates pop exuberance like ‘70s Nick Lowe backed by the ‘60s Hollies. Further explorations struck upon some older recordings permeated with a melancholic Chris Bell air.

While there are many groups playing cosmic country these days and another entirely different set of acts playing the big tent of Americana, there are very few bands playing early country rock. Moreover, most of the country-influenced acts don’t have their welcomed pop sensibilities. Candle are equally at home with the twang as they are the pop. Going forward, I hope this versatile band continues to play to both sides of their strength.

L-R:Juan Galaviz (guitar, vo), Fabian Soltero (drums, vo.)
Nicolas Velazco (bass, vo.)-Photo by Priscilla Luna