Laji George digs into the quieter side of grunge with “Sittin Here Thinkin,” a soulful alt-rock single that finds strength not in sheer volume, but in reflection. The New York City artist draws heavily from the raw spirit of ’90s Seattle rock while folding in blues, folk, and classic soul influences. Written from his friendship with a Navy veteran and union pipefitter, the song captures that familiar moment after a hard day’s work when the noise finally dies down and there’s room to think.
The track opens with vibrant, shimmery strumming guitars, immediately giving the arrangement an earthy warmth beneath its rock foundation. George’s husky voice soon rises above them, singing with a passionate, soaring intensity that feels weathered rather than polished to perfection. There is grit here, but the song understands that sometimes a restrained punch lands harder than a wall of distortion.
That balance comes largely from producer Jonah Brockman, who helps George stitch together seemingly unlikely pieces. The guitars carry the muscular DNA of grunge, while folk and blues textures soften and deepen the edges. Most strikingly, an accordion enters the mix, adding an earthy, almost rootsy character that could easily have sounded out of place but instead gives the track its own identity.
George’s musical touchstones—Eddie Vedder and Chris Cornell in particular—are evident in the song’s rugged emotional delivery, while subtler traces of Otis Redding, Etta James, and Chuck Berry add soul and rock ‘n’ roll weight underneath.
Recorded between George’s home studio and Brockman’s studio, the track keeps its production focused on natural energy and emotional honesty. Even its accompanying visual world, filmed around the industrial NY/NJ port, reinforces the song’s connection to labor, steel, and everyday resilience.
With Out of Line on the horizon, “Sittin Here Thinkin” feels like a statement of intent. George isn’t trying to preach; he’s trying to connect.
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Review by: Naomi Joan