Track by Track is our recurring feature series in which artists guide readers through each song on their latest release. Today, New York City rocker Des Rocs give us insight into his sophomore album, Dream Machine.

Des Rocs, aka Danny Rocco, sports the silhouette of a young Elvis Presley, and his brand of self-described “bedroom arena rock” tugs at the rock ‘n’ roll of the past with the intent of making the present a bit more tolerable.

Fused with the wit of an artist forging his path in the competitive New York City circuit, his music transcends pastiche and is frankly refreshing. There’s tangible joy: bombastic chords, anthemic Queen-esque choruses, glam-metal swagger. In a gloomy world where many musicians are making gloomy music, Des Rocs sounds like the damn antidote.

“It’s 2:10 in the morning / I’m on the Bqe … Come on take a joy ride / In my dream machine.