Soap Box Derby release debut single Credit: Screen capture courtesy Best Life Productions/Youtube
Not even a year old, local band Soap Box Derby are one of the youngest entrants in the budding Orlando shoegaze scene. But with an increased live presence and now a new debut single, these freshman upstarts are already moving to be a contender.

“Anniversary” is a towering monolith of fuzz and heart that’s as commanding of an introduction as they come. Blending shoegaze, grunge, screamo and emo like likeminded locals Flowers for Emily and Backstep, this debut song instantly puts Soap Box Derby at the head of the new class of bands remixing the 1990s.

“Anniversary” now streams everywhere and is on Bandcamp as a name-your-price download. Better yet, see Soap Box Derby live Thursday with Wells.

7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, Stardust Video & Coffee.

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This article appears in Feb 5-11, 2025.

Music columnist.