Vancouver rock band The Get Arounds have returned with their second full-length album, Going Out Tonight, a 13-track collection combining power pop, alternative rock, indie rock and pop-punk with a more focused approach to songwriting.
Released on August 17, 2026, the record follows the group’s debut album, I Wanna Live, and finds the Canadian outfit refining its identity around prominent guitars, energetic rhythms and direct, memorable choruses. While the band remains rooted in Vancouver’s rock scene, the album draws on influences that will be familiar to British listeners, including the Sex Pistols alongside Blondie, L7, Dead Boys, Bikini Kill and The Pretenders.
A More Focused Direction for The Get Arounds
For guitarist and songwriter Carman Lethbridge, the new album represents a clearer understanding of what The Get Arounds are trying to achieve.
“I think the new record is a little more focused on the songwriting,” says Carman Lethbridge. “On the first record we didn’t really know what kind of band we were or where we wanted to take it. We were looking for a sound and I think we found it on this one. The Get Arounds are a modern version of a classic radio rock band. We love great songs with choruses and big guitars and kick ass drums. Who doesn’t?”
The group originated during lockdown, when Lethbridge began writing and recording material with drummer Lana Ryma. The project evolved significantly when Ryma moved from behind the drum kit to take on lead vocal duties.
Her vocals have since become central to the band’s sound, balancing the rougher character of its guitars with a melodic delivery.
Title Track Captures the Album’s Spontaneous Energy
That uncomplicated approach is particularly evident on the title track, which the musicians say came together remarkably quickly.
“It was one of those rare magic moments,” says Ryma. “The song took about 30 minutes to write. We even used the first vocal take. There’s a few dissonant notes but I loved how it sounded so we kept it.”
Rather than polishing away those imperfections, the group has retained them as part of the album’s character.
Across its 13 songs, Going Out Tonight generally favours concise arrangements and immediate hooks. “Fuck Around” and “Shut You Down” deliver a faster punk-influenced attack, while “Waiting For The Stars” and “Hold On” give the melodies more room to develop.
“Black Corvette” and “Stuck In LA” introduce a swaggering power-pop element, while “Do Or Die” moves towards a contemporary British pop-rock sound.
Vancouver Influences Shape the Record
Although the music does not explicitly present itself as a portrait of Vancouver, the city’s Downtown Eastside provides an atmospheric backdrop to the album.
References to Chinatown, wet streets, alleyways and Vancouver’s trolley buses contribute to a sense of place without dominating the songwriting. The result is a record shaped partly by its surroundings while maintaining the straightforward rock approach at its centre.
Some tracks also push beyond the album’s predominant sound. “Kill Or Be Killed,” which features Ryma returning to the drums, takes a more direct punk approach.
“Bones,” meanwhile, brings the pace down and explores considerably darker subject matter.
“It’s a hauntingly beautiful song about life and how cruel it can be,” Ryma explains. “The evil some commit and truths they hide.”
The contrast gives the record greater range, with “Bones,” “Hideaway” and “Black Corvette” allowing the songwriting to develop beyond the band’s fastest material.
Personal Songwriting Adds Greater Depth
Lethbridge said the album also reflects growing confidence in his songwriting, particularly when dealing with more personal subjects.
“I’m really proud of this record musically and especially lyrically. I feel like I’m just starting to hit my stride as a songwriter. Trying to cut to the truth. When songs are really personal it’s a bit scary, but people connect with that.”
The album was recorded by Jason Solyom and Lethbridge, with Solyom also handling the mix. Lethbridge performs much of the instrumentation, while Ryma contributes vocals and drums on selected tracks and Jay Solyom adds further instrumentation.
Live Line-Up Brings Heavier Edge to New Material
For live performances, The Get Arounds expand their line-up with Sean Stubbs, Lisa Lloyd and Kimi Mah, giving the recorded material a heavier character on stage.
“Our live band is killing it right now,” says Lethbridge. “Sean Stubbs is the best drummer I’ve ever played with. Lisa Lloyd is a natural born rock star bass player, and Kimi Mah knows the songs better than I do.”
Rather than dramatically reinventing the band’s formula, Going Out Tonight concentrates on the qualities The Get Arounds believe work best: guitars, energetic performances and tightly constructed choruses.
For Ryma, the result can be summed up more simply.
“It’s a rock n’ roll party for sure. I think we kicked ass.”
George Orwell is a writer and contributor covering politics, society, culture, and current affairs. His work focuses on providing clear analysis and thoughtful commentary on the issues shaping modern Britain and the wider world, helping readers better understand complex topics.