Chris Batten & The Woods: A Summer Awakening with “2 For The Summer”
For the past two decades, Chris Batten & The Woods have been more than just a fixture on the New Jersey music scene—they’ve been its heartbeat. Their authentic blend of Americana and soul, punctuated by raw, emotive lyrics, has made them a mainstay in legendary venues like The Stone Pony, Maxwell’s, and Asbury Lanes. Their influence extends beyond state lines, with memorable performances at iconic New York City venues such as CBGBs, Bowery Ballroom, and Mercury Lounge. Now, after years of evolution, both musically and personally, the band is back with a fresh offering that feels like a full-circle moment—an EP titled “2 For The Summer”.
Chris Batten & The Woods have always been synonymous with electrifying live performances, delivering sets that leave audiences both exhilarated and yearning for more. The band’s journey is one of persistence and passion, marked by the ebb and flow of lineup changes, a hiatus, and a powerful return. Their sound, rooted in the traditions of Americana and soul, has never wavered in authenticity. It’s this authenticity that has kept fans loyal and newcomers intrigued.
In 2022, after a 15-year silence, they reignited their creative flame with the single “Do It All Over,” a track that signaled not just a return, but a revival. This was followed by “The Ceiling” in 2023, a song that climbed higher, bringing the band back into the spotlight. Capping off the year was a live EP recorded at New York’s Bowery Ballroom, a testament to their enduring prowess on stage.
With “2 For The Summer,” Chris Batten & The Woods have crafted more than just a pair of songs—they’ve created a sonic narrative that captures the essence of summer’s fleeting magic. This mini-EP is a masterclass in arrangement and production, with a lush soundscape that belies its brief runtime. It’s the kind of release that leaves you feeling as though you’ve experienced the highs and lows of an entire album in just two tracks. Chris Batten describes the EP as a “day at the shore,” with each song representing a different time of day, evoking both the sunlit exuberance and the contemplative nights that define summer.
“Hey Little Lovely” is a joyous, high-energy road song, perfect for blaring through open car windows as you cruise along the coast. It channels the romantic spirit of late-70s Springsteen, but with a twist—filtered through the expansive lens of 90s Americana alternative rock. The track is driven by a relentless beat and an infectious chorus, bringing to mind sun-drenched beaches and endless horizons. Longtime fans will recognize it as a live staple from the late 2000s, reimagined with the wisdom and experience of a band that’s lived through two decades of change.
On the flip side, “Some Days” takes a different approach. It’s a slow-burning meditation on the fragility of strength, wrapped in a slinky, alt-country riff. The song builds gradually, with Batten’s powerful vocals leading the charge as the instrumentation swells around him. It’s introspective and haunting, a perfect counterbalance to the carefree energy of “Hey Little Lovely.” Fans who’ve followed the band since their reformation in 2013 will recognize “Some Days” from its live performances, where it’s been road-tested and refined into the gem it is today.
The story of “2 For The Summer” is as much about the music as it is about the band itself. Chris Batten & The Woods have always been more than just a group of musicians—they’re a family. This sense of camaraderie is palpable in every note, every lyric. As Batten reflects on the band’s 20th anniversary, he speaks not just of the music, but of the relationships that have sustained it.
“I’m really proud that I’ve been able to keep this band going for that long…it’s wild,” Batten shares. “But it’s all because of the five of us. Dustin and I started this band 20 years ago. Nick, Stroube, and Rucci have been jamming together since high school. We all eventually found each other through family and mutual friends. It’s such a natural thing in our lives now because we’ve allowed the band to grow, as we all did individually for the past two decades. We’re a family when it comes to this band—we’re just five dads, having too much fun!”
That sense of family extends to the next generation, with Batten’s 10-year-old son contributing xylophone to “Hey Little Lovely,” adding a layer of warmth and nostalgia that resonates deeply. It’s a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of life and music, as the band looks to the future with the same energy and passion that has carried them through the past 20 years.
As Chris Batten & The Woods celebrate their 20th anniversary, “2 For The Summer” serves as both a reflection on their journey and a promise of what’s to come. The band is more than just surviving—they’re thriving, with new material in the works and an ever-expanding live presence. This EP is a tantalizing glimpse into the next chapter of a story that’s far from over.
With their blend of timeless Americana, soul, and rock, Chris Batten & The Woods continue to resonate with fans old and new, proving that some things truly do get better with age. As the summer sun shines down, there’s no better soundtrack than the one they’ve provided—two songs that capture the heart and soul of a band that’s not just making music, but living it. So, roll down the windows, turn up the volume, and let “2 For The Summer” be the sound of your summer.
