Article Contributed by Dan Ward
Published on December 23, 2025
For Covington Groove, the last two and a half years have been fueled by pure momentum. After being invited to play Hotel Blotto in 2024, the Chicago-based band finished their debut album, sold out its release show at The Venue in Aurora, and made a bold promise to themselves: release a new album every year. Their sophomore record, Deja II, fulfills that vow—and then some. With album number three already half written, Deja II arrives not as a sophomore slump, but as a statement of intent.
Getting this record made was no small feat. The band booked two marathon recording sessions at Chicago’s legendary RaxTrax Studios, laying down five tracks in June. Then, just a week before the July session, bassist and de facto band manager Colin Ryan tore his patellar tendon following a performance with WZRD. Even sidelined with a displaced kneecap and awaiting surgery, Ryan kept the wheels turning—lining up top-tier substitute bassists including Grant Martin of Mungion, and pushing the second session to four weeks post-surgery to ensure the band didn’t lose momentum.
With their December 13 release show locked in, the remaining tracks were captured in early August. Bass, drums, and guitars were recorded live to preserve the band’s organic chemistry, followed by piano, organ, and vocals tracked at Samuel Wyatt’s home studio. Wyatt then mixed and mastered the entire album in just over two months to meet vinyl deadlines, later remixing for streaming and co-mastering final tracks alongside New York’s Dr. James Goodwin (Goose, Bob Weir, Devo). The result is an album that feels both meticulously crafted and joyfully alive.
Like slipping on your favorite broken-in sneakers, Deja II feels instantly familiar while still sounding fresh. The grooves are new, the lyrics original, but the spirit is timeless. Covington Groove thrives on entertaining their audience, and this record captures that energy with warmth, humor, and heart. Deja II feels like an old friend you’ve just met—and one you immediately trust.
The album opens with “Such a Ho,” a bold declaration of intent. Punk-leaning drum lines collide with gospel-tinged organ, dirty guitar riffs, and a bassline that demands movement. Fast-paced and unapologetic, the track announces the band’s arrival with authority, while dynamic shifts keep the listener locked in. It’s impossible not to tap your foot.
“Queen of Arcadia” slows the tempo and leans into emotional depth. Ben Bollero’s expressive guitar work intertwines beautifully with Samuel Wyatt’s virtuosic keyboard playing, creating a lush sonic landscape. Soaring solos and rich backing vocals elevate the track into a heartfelt ballad that lingers long after it ends.
For listeners just discovering Covington Groove, their jazz and blues roots are immediately apparent—but listen closer. These musicians are surgeons of the soul. Every note has purpose. There’s no filler here, only intention.
“Abby” distills funk into its purest essence. A slow-burning, shadowy groove evokes smoke-filled rooms and midnight mystery. The track’s ability to conjure vivid imagery is a hallmark of the band’s songwriting, proving their strength not just as players, but as storytellers.
“Tethered to Sand” turns inward, offering a self-reflective journey that twists and turns alongside its lyrical angst. The track blossoms into a jam driven by Mikey D’s nuanced drumming and Ryan’s grounding basslines, while guitar and keys trade tasteful, emotionally charged riffs. The darkness at the song’s core gives way to catharsis through improvisation.
“Poison Dip” blends blues grit with funk swagger, showcasing the band’s genre-fluid confidence. The interplay between guitar and keys feels both spontaneous and deliberate, each riff organic yet precise. Accolades feel insufficient here—this is virtuosity without ego.
“Little Snowflake Man” comes with a seatbelt warning. What begins innocently soon slams the accelerator, delivering a fast, furious burst of energy. Though one of the album’s shorter tracks, it leaves a lasting impact with sharp vocals and explosive solos that send the listener hurtling toward the finish line.
The instrumental “Epiclogue” allows every member to shine, bringing the album gently back to earth. Fluid bass grooves guide the rhythm as keys and guitar flow freely, offering a moment of reflection before the final ascent.
Closing track “Event Horizon” builds patiently, rolling and surging toward a cathartic resolution. The song feels like a summit—an arrival point that invites listeners to circle back and discover deeper meaning with each return.
Deja II solidifies Covington Groove as a band defined by insight, technical prowess, and heart. Their music is available on all streaming platforms, but to truly understand the magic, catch them live. Up close, the Groove doesn’t just entertain—it ignites.
