'Hot Summer Singles Series' Kicks Off Strong
Sometimes all a rock song needs is a killer riff, a relentless groove, and the confidence to let both do the heavy lifting. “Grim Joke” by This Love is Drone checks those boxes with ease, delivering a fuzzy, riff-forward blast of stoner rock that feels equally suited for a late-night drive or a smoke-filled rehearsal space. Serving as the first installment in the band’s Hot Summer Singles Series, it sets the tone with thick riffs, desert rock swagger, and a groove that’s hard to shake.
Keeping It Heavy
Vocally, the song complements the instrumental backbone without fighting for the spotlight. The performance settles comfortably into the mix, allowing the guitars and rhythm section to remain the focal point while still carrying the song’s attitude.
Rather than chasing huge hooks or dramatic shifts, “Grim Joke” succeeds by committing fully to its groove. It’s the kind of track that gets stronger the longer it rolls, rewarding listeners who appreciate riffs that linger long after the song ends.
Riding the Groove
The first thing that grabs you is the guitar tone. Thick, warm, and saturated with fuzz, it immediately calls to mind the desert rock school pioneered by bands like Kyuss without feeling like a carbon copy. The riffs have plenty of heft, while the rhythm section keeps everything moving with a driving beat that rarely lets up.
The production wisely avoids polishing away the grit. Every instrument has room to breathe, but there’s still enough rawness to make the performance feel alive. It’s a sound that’s built on feel rather than flash.
Final Verdict
This Love is Drone knows exactly what kind of song they wanted to make, and they execute it with confidence. “Grim Joke” delivers thick guitar tones, a driving rhythm, and a satisfying dose of desert rock swagger that never overstays its welcome. It may not reinvent the genre, but it doesn’t need to—sometimes a great groove is more than enough.
