Over the weekend, I caught up with Jasmine and Ly of Philly Grunge band, SHYGODWIN, to chat about how the band came to be and where they got their name, rediscovering music, what artists they’re inspired by, and the “Harry Styles connection”. Plus, we dive into their brand new single, ‘Psycholodgy’ and the inspiration behind it. Their energy is out of this world and I know you’ll enjoy getting to know them + their music.
Review: Rock Band, The Warning Release Their Debut Single with Lava Records, 'CHOKE'
The Warning have released their debut single with Lava Records – "CHOKE," and it's a powerful and brilliant track. The Warning are a rock band from Monterrey, Mexico consisting of a trio of sisters – Daniela “Dany” on guitar and lead vocals, Paulina “Pau” on drums, vocals, and piano, and Alejandra “Ale” Villarreal on bass, piano, and backing vocals. You might know them from their cover of Metallica's "Enter The Sandman," which blew up on the internet a handful of years ago, when they were just 14, 12, and 9 years old. They've come a long way from that cover, and have asserted their place as a rock band that are clearly extremely skilled, making powerful tracks worthy of sold-out stadiums. "CHOKE" is a solid example of that statement and I really love it.
"CHOKE" follows their previous releases of Escape the Mind in 2015, XXI Century Blood in 2017, and Queen of the Murder Scene in 2019. This is their first release after signing a 5-record deal with Lava Records, who is notably home to other young rock acts like Greta Van Fleet, a band with a trio of brothers, much like how The Warning are a trio of sisters, and their friend. The Warning are however much heavier than Greta Van Fleet, more similar to bands like Metallica and Evanescence.
About "CHOKE," the band said: "'CHOKE' is a song about drowning in your feelings and coming to terms with them." It's certainly about that, as heard in the lines such as "Let me dive in, sink in deeper / Push my head, choke me 'til I drown / Let me drown / Drifting out of trust / Slipping down my throat into my lungs / It's cold, but this is where I'll stay / Comfortably in pain." It's about feeling sad and acknowledging it, and while obviously making yourself feel better is a wise choice, sometimes we don't have the strength to, and that's okay. It's okay to not be okay, we don't need to be happy all of the time. It's best to be honest with yourself and the world, even if your feelings are negative, and "CHOKE" acknowledges that. It's okay to feel sad sometimes.
"CHOKE" is the first song I've heard by The Warning, and I am both impressed and in awe. They're fantastic, their music is powerful and mind-blowing. It is not enough to listen to it through my headphones, I want to see them live as soon as I can to really experience their epic sound. They're a band that finds home on the stage, and I love that. I'm thoroughly excited to see where their signage with Lava Records takes them - hopefully to even bigger heights than they've already reached.
Review: The Fool's Agenda "Swell"
Women in rock music is such an uncommon sight, but a great one. My first thought going into “Swell” by The Fool’s Agenda? Rhiannon (and yes indeed, I did say Rhiannon) is about to show us all how women can rock. If you’re interested in bands like the Runaways, or The Cranberries, even Blondie, this one's for you. The track begins with an intense build up to the guitar riff, held down by the master of headbanging, Conor and his shredding partner in crime, Kyle. The bopping drum beat mastered by Kamryn reminds me of the Runaways take on Lou Reed’s Rock N Roll; it just makes you want to rock.
Won’t stop spinning ‘till the well runs dry.
They can’t hear you when you cry.
Trip them out of mind,
Leave the world behind.
Seriously, this rocker lady named after a Fleetwood Mac song is budding with the lyricism of a true rockstar. The execution is intelligent. The lyrics imply that this isn’t a happy song, but you just want to rock out, like it’s all you’ve got left to do in this world. That bass line bumpin behind her, slapped out by Jon, is exactly that: bumpin and rockin’.
Swell, baby, swell!
Hide your thoughts away.
It’ll all be well again
By the light of day.
This chorus is CATCHY. Makes you wanna scream the words, and it makes you want to dance, which is always the best feeling finding a new favorite song to listen to. I always love a song that gets my energy and feelings out, but still leaves me feeling good in the end. This is it. The lyrics aren’t always sunshine and rainbows but the message is one that you can resonate with and can channel the energy into.
All the leaves are turning brown
Whispers whipping thoughts around.
Remember how they made you feel
It’s all a dream, it isn’t real.
Find your mirth in the bottom of it all.
Rhiannon gets right into the grit of this song’s meaning. As the song’s sole lyricist (and most of their upcoming projects), there’s no cover up; it’s all raw. Up front and looking at her, she is a sweet hearted forest nymph, but inside there’s that rock n roll spark. She’s ready to sing it and tell it like it is. It may get dirty, it may get raunchy, but she’s ready. The dudes she’s got behind her are also just as ready to be right there for her.
Digging into the bridge and focusing on the instrumentalists at hand, these guys have some major talent. The guitar solo is epic. Conor and Kyle take us away, like that true classic rock sound is supposed to during a solo, and the other two are keeping right up with them. Kam is wailing on those drums, and Jon finishes the bridge off with a little solo of his own, before breaking into another build up, and final thrust of the hook for the track.
Overall, this is easily a favorite, no question. Rhiannon (aka Raini) and the guys of The Fool’s Agenda are ready to rock the house down this summer of 2021, and this first single is only the beginning. If I’m jumping up and down now, I might be doing backflips by the time the final project is out... Whenever that is.... Be sure to listen to “Swell” by The Fool’s Agenda now, on all streaming services!
The Pros + Cons of The Drive-In Concert Experience
When COVID-19 hit, music fans weren’t worried about catching a deadly virus. We were worried about how we would survive without concerts. The biggest question we were constantly thinking about was, when is live music going to return? Months later when cases started to drop and the air started to get warmer, drive-in concerts were formed as a way for people to see live music in a safe way.
Saturday, May 22nd was my first show of the year and it was a drive-in. At this point, I’ve been to lots of these kinds of shows at a few different venues so I’d say that I have a pretty good handle on what to expect when going to a drive-in concert. Before we dive into all things drive-in related, I do want to give a huge shoutout to a New England based non-profit, Music Drives Us, for putting together such an amazing event. Classic rock and heavy metal tribute band, Generation Three, played an epic set and even had special guests Gary Cherone and Pat Badger from Extreme join them for a couple of songs. Overall, such a fun event benefiting a great cause, keeping music in our schools.
What I love most about drive-ins is the luxury. When you go to a regular concert, it's crowded, you’re surrounded by tons of people you don’t know, and it can sometimes get overwhelming. With most drive-in concerts, at least the ones that I’ve been to, you pull into your parking spot, and then you get another parking spot where you and your guests can settle in. No one is close to you, you have your own space, and that is a luxury you don’t get at most concerts.
While it is a benefit, the downside is that having such a large amount of space for you and your few guests can take away from the normal concert experience of feeling part of a crowd. You don’t feel that closeness with other fans and can miss out on those one-on-one interactions with random people bonding over a mutual love for a band, previous concert experiences, or whatever the case may be. Nothing beats meeting someone who shares similar passions in music and in life, sometimes causing lifelong friendships, all because of one interaction at a concert.
The biggest benefit about drive-in shows is the car itself. It’s so nice having your car right there with you. You can pack whatever you may need: food, drinks, extra clothes, a comfy pair of shoes to change into, blankets in case it’s cold, and it’s all right there with you if you need it. Depending on the place, you can pretty much bring as much as you can fit into your car.
If you’re like me and you love being as close to the stage as you possibly can, you will struggle. Most drive-ins make you watch the show from your designated space so you can really only get as close as you can park your car. You might be able to get away with rushing the stage. The last show I attended allowed people to do so and now that a lot of restrictions are being lifted more venues may allow this, but don’t expect it.
One of the venues I went to had the live music playing through your car radio, which definitely took away from the concert feel. The venue was huge, so I understand why they had to do that, but it just felt less like a concert. You also have to keep your car on the whole time which made me anxious that my car battery was going to die. Thankfully, it didn’t.
With most things starting to open, will drive-ins return this summer? I think if this pandemic has taught us anything, it's that nothing is certain and anything can change in a split second. So who knows! Personally, I love drive-in shows. I don’t love them more than a traditional concert but sometimes it can be a nice change. I’d love for them to stick around for the summers but if I’m being honest, I don’t see them staying around much longer. So if you can get to a drive-in show, I definitely recommend going to at least one while they’re still around.
Album Review: A Look Back at 5 Seconds of Summers' Sounds Good Feels Good
Let’s rewind to 2015. Sounds Good Feels Good by 5 Seconds of Summer will help you transport back in time.
I asked fans like me about their opinions on this album and they all told me: “It’s the most relatable and human record of them. Everyone can find a piece of their story in it”. The album’s pop rock sound is a background to lyrics that deal with mental health and every day’s struggles such as not being able to afford a bus ticket (“Hey Everybody”).
Now it’s time to analyze it track by track.
MONEY: This song is not about robbery as it may sound, but it’s about love at first sight for a special and unconventional girl that makes them want to let go of everything and go on adventures with her.
“Black jeans, white tee, black Converse
You know she gets it right
Blue hair, blue eyes, I saw her
I couldn't help it, I was like
"I wanna be, be, be in the game”
SHE’S KINDA HOT: The speaking voice leading this song is in a relationship they don’t like because their girlfriend complains about their condition all the time but they want to be with her anyway because she’s intriguing. Then, they switch to talking about their friend who dropped out of school because he couldn’t handle it ,and how being a misfit is not a wrong thing, and being different is something to be proud of: “they say we’re losers and we’re alright with that.”
The band consider themselves the voice of new generation.
HEY EVERYBODY: This song talks about small everyday problems that many people go through like not being able to pay for a bus ticket or how to not make a massive fuss about it.
“It's not the end of the world
Yeah, we've all been there before”
PERMANENT VACATION: This song talks about being overwhelmed and the need of a vacation to forget about the bad place you’re in. It may seem like they’re talking about a normal vacation, when they’re really referencing an eternal sleep. This is a hidden meaning that only if you listen closely you can catch.
JET BLACK HEART: This is my favorite song off the album since it has helped me and still helps me through hard times. But what is it about? It’s about being in a bad place and having tried literally anything “every fire I’ve ignited faded to grey.” This is a scream for help; “now that I’m broken can you see inside?”
This is a sad song for sure, but it has a message of hope: one day the pain will be gone and it’ll be just a memory. You’ll heal from what you’re going through even if right now it’s just darkness.
“The blood in my veins
Is made up of mistakes
Let's forget who we are
And dive into the dark
As we burst into color
Returning to life”
CATCH FIRE: The person speaking in the song has broken up with their partner but they want to win them back so they try their best to get them back in their life with the hope that they’ll change their mind.
“I can’t change the world but maybe I could change your mind.”
WASTE THE NIGHT: This is something I think we all have been through: having your crush next to you and wanting to confess your feeling for them, to not waste the occasion because you crave their love.
“I don't wanna say goodbye to another night
And watch you walk away
And I don't wanna let it burn in the city lights
And make the same mistakes, this time
I don't wanna waste it, don't wanna waste it
I don't wanna waste it, don't wanna waste it”
VAPOR: The relationship is not going well but the person speaking about it prefers to be lied to and take what the other gives them rather than accept the reality: they don’t work anymore. They are still into them and don’t want to go out of this limbo.
CASTAWAY: After the break up, an important love story at a young age, the speaking voice feels “lonely like a castaway”. All they have left are all the memories coming to the surface and making them hurt even more.
”Eyes closed, all I see is good times disappearing
And I'm trying to hold on
'Cause you walked out and left me stranded
Nothing left but picture frames
I just keep on asking myself
How'd we drift so far away from where we left off yesterday?
I'm lonely like a castaway”
FLY AWAY: The speaking voice is tired of their everyday reality making them feel trapped and without a will to live. They want to visit the world. As mentioned in the song, they give names of places they would like to fly away to.
“I won't waste another day
Wishing this would fade away
Running and we're not looking back
I want a little bit of California
With a little bit of London sky
I wanna take my heart to the end of the world
Fly away tonight
I want a little bit of open ocean
With a New York state of mind
I wanna take my heart to the end of the world
Fly away, fly away tonight”
INVISIBLE: The song starts with a typing sound and the voice of one of the members, Michael Clifford, saying “what’s this?”. This is supposed to be the discovery of a suicidal letter.
The speaking voice doesn’t feel safe anymore, is lost, and without a will to live. They don’t know themselves anymore, they feel out of place in the home they live in. The song suggests that they speaking voice wants to end their life.
“I was already missing
Before the night I left
Just me and my shadow and all of my regrets
Who am I? Who am I?
When I don't know myself
Who am I? Who am I?
Invisible”
AIRPLANES : The speaking voice says that love saved them from the dark place they were in and they want to fly over the city.
“Your eyes, your smile can light up the night, night
Embers and neon signs paint up black sky, sky
Airplanes cut through the clouds
Like angels can fly, we'll never die
Sirens cut through the night
Like screams set on fire, rising up higher
I've got something to prove, nothing to lose
In this city, in this city woah”
SAN FRANCISCO: The speaking voice wants to go back to a time and place where they were happy with their loved one when in the present moment they are having a hard time.
“I wanna get back to where we started
To the summer night
You know, you know, you know, you know we got it right
Yeah, I wanna get back to San Francisco
In the firelight
You know, you know, you know, you know we had it right”
OUTER SPACE/ CARRY ON: The speaking voice wants to win back the love of their loved one, they broke up with too soon “the rain it came too soon” and they are ready to do anything to have them back in their life.
“Here and the rain it came too soon, I will wait for you
To love me again”
The second part of the song is short song of hope dedicated to the listener. It’s a really pure and beautifully harmonized song that helped and still helps people. Here’s a sneak peak:
“Carry on, let the good times roll
Sail along, let your path unfold
It won't be long, won't be long, won't be long
You know it's gonna get better
You know it's gonna get better
Say a prayer for the broken bones
'Cause who cares?
We're all going home
And it won't be long, won't be long, won't be long
You know it's gonna get better”
The album ends with this hymn of hope that makes this album, so special for the fandom. So beautiful. The deluxe edition features more songs such as safety pin (two broken people find each other), broken home (family problems) and The Girl Who Cried Wolf (about a girl that needs help but doesn’t want to ask for it.)
Review: The Devil Wears Prada Brings A New Pandemic: ZII
In 2010, The Devil Wears Prada released their EP Zombie (now referred to as ZI). It was a musical pandemic the world wasn’t ready for but needed and still a cult favorite of fans today. Now after a little over a decade, TDWP release their follow up EP, ZII.
Their previously released record, The Act, showcased a different side than what TDWP fans were use to but it was also a welcoming change. Their hit single from that album, “ Chemical“, is currently their top Spotify song with over 9 million streams. The Act opened them to a lot more broader audience while still staying true to their metal core roots.
ZII is not The Act, however.
Their opening track “Nightfall” immediately brings the dark, depth brutality you are longing for. Even their slowest song “Contagion”, compared the other tracks that is, has some of the most cut throat chugs, riffs, & gallops I’ve heard in a while.
“Forlorn” is already in my consideration for best metal track of 2021. It is perhaps their heaviest creation to date and your neck will surely be sore the next day.
“ZII” is a metal masterpiece and just as “Zombie” is still remembered after being over a decade old, “ZII” will still be remembered for decades to come.
Are you ready for it ?
Album Review: Olivia Rodrigo's SOUR
Earlier this year, we were first introduced to Olivia Rodrigo, following the success of her song, “Driver’s License”. It probably didn’t take long for you to sing alon to the song. Yes, I’m guilty of doing it too.
Fast forward to May 21st, Olivia released her debut album, SOUR.
First impression when hearing the opening track, “brutal,” it has an alt-rock sound to it, very different from what we heard in “Driver’s License”. It’s reminiscent of the 90’s/early 2000’s pop-punk bands. I get a very Paramore vibe from the song. It’s a strong start.
As the album progresses, it’s easy to hear within each song that Olivia has mixed both indie-pop and pop-punk into her sound. Honestly, she really made it work.
In each song, I can clearly hear influences from the people she’s said to have been influenced by; I heard bits of Lorde in her songs, bits of Hayley Williams, and bits of Taylor Swift. It’s plain to see that she was heavily influenced by each artist. Especially during the album’s sixth track, “good 4 u”. That’s where you really hear the Hayley influence.
This is the kind of album that makes you relive your teenage heartbreak. It’s beautiful, it’s heart-rending, and it’s emotional. Every song on this album is absolutely magnificent and Olivia sings heartbreak very well. The production and quality of lyrics are incredible too.
This may only be the beginning for the rising star, but it’s clear to see that Olivia has a huge future in the music industry and I look forward to hearing more from her.
Secret Agent: Giving Surf Rock a New Life
Secret Agent is a band from Mexico City and their music is a harmonious combination of surf rock and spy movie score. You may think to yourself, “This has to be from the 1960’s.” But you’d be about six decades off. They formed in 2015 and released their debut ep just four years ago in 2017!
It’s hard to find such genuine sounding surf rock that transports you to the golden days of this very specific sub genre but this band is about as true to the classic as it gets. Even the art they have for each body of work is a blast from the past reminding me of old movie posters with the bold colors and retro fonts.
Every song they’ve put out makes you feel like the lead star in an action movie set in the 60’s: fighting crime, uncovering clues, and most definitely getting yourself into trouble but looking good while doing it. This band is the soundtrack to it all.
Their latest single “Moros En La Costa” has a very ominous and atmospheric quality to it that’s only enhanced by the alien-like synths which add a spooky touch. The guitar soars over a rhythm section groove and it all gets pulled back in by the deep moody baseline that gives the song its very essence. With no vocals, it still tells a story and you can let your imagination run wild while it’s playing on repeat.
If you’re looking to dive into this style of music or if you simply miss the classic sound, this band should be your next stop. They keep the quality of the oldies while implementing their own flare with some modern touches. I await the day their entire discography is added to a Tarantino film.
Review: The Black Keys Take Us Down South with New Album, Delta Kream
At this point in their career, The Black Keys have developed a sort of signature sound. When you hear one of their hits on the radio, you recognize them immediately – their unique sound helps them stand out from their peers, and that sound is influenced heavily by blues music.
Just a few Fridays ago, The Black Keys released their tenth studio record, Delta Kream, a collection of hill country blues covers from the likes of Junior Kimbrough, R.L. Burnside, Big Joe Williams, John Lee Hooker, Mississippi Fred McDowell, and Ranie Burnette. Recorded over just two days in less than 10 hours, this is The Black Keys’ first long play of blues covers.
It’s a little different from the The Black Keys stuff you’re used to, especially when you compare it to their last studio album release, ‘Let’s Rock’. This record is lighter in its sound, a little more mellow. It’s well-suited for relaxed listening with headphones in its entirety, as opposed to being a record you want to jump and dance around the room to, but even still, if you listen intently and you pay attention (as you should!), you can hear those little elements from these blues tunes that inspired The Black Keys sound we all know and love. It starts off brilliantly with “Crawling Kingsnake” (Big Joe Williams/John Lee Hooker), easing you ever so gently into what’s about to be a fantastic nearly 1 hour of classic blues. The record builds and progresses deeper, with tunes like “Coal Black Mattie” (Ranie Burnette) and “Do the Romp” (Junior Kimbrough) threatening to pull you to your feet for a little bit of grooving, and then back down into the laid-back vibes of “Mellow Peaches” (Big Joe Williams) and “Come on and Go with Me” (Junior Kimbrough).
What’s so fun about this album is that it feels like we’re getting to look inside the minds of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney. It’s so cool to me when artists share the genres, songs, and artists that inspired them. It’s almost like all that recommended music you get after you listen to your favorite band on Spotify or the songs that sit off to the side when you listen on YouTube – things you might like if you like this band. This record does exactly that, and takes it a step further. Not only do we get to hear some of the blues tunes that inspired the band, but we get to hear their unique take on each of them. I think that’s one of the coolest things a band can do. We as listeners get to see where exactly The Black Keys come from.
With The Black Keys, a blues cover album is the only thing that makes sense. It’s easy to hear the influence of the blues in what they do, especially after listening to this record. Yes, they have developed a unique sound that makes them easily recognizable, but that sound is rooted in old blues tunes. This isn’t the first time they’ve delved into blues covers. Their 2002 debut featured 2 blues covers and they released an EP in 2006 called Chulahoma comprised solely of covers of tunes by Junior Kimbrough, a Mississippi bluesman whose guitar style heavily influenced hill country blues. Duo Auerbach and Carney played everything on this EP themselves, and the EP was very well received by Kimbrough’s widow. Delta Kream touches on even more of Kimbrough’s work and introduces other players to the team, most notably, Kenny Brown and Eric Deaton, who have worked extensively with the likes of R.L. Burnside and Junior Kimbrough, respectively.
This record is living proof that music reaches far and wide. Hill country blues is a Mississippi music tradition. The Black Keys are from Ohio. These are two completely different musical worlds, yet these blues tunes found their way up, down, and all around this country into the ears of so many of all our favorite rockers. I didn’t grow up on the blues, but I did grow up on rock ‘n’ roll, which was born out of the blues. I’ve loved many an artist who cites the blues as a major influence on what they do – most of my favorite bands grew up on it, and if you’re a lover of rock, the same is probably true for many of your favorite bands too. This record demonstrates that remarkably.
This record feels authentic too. It isn’t just some minimal effort attempt to reinvent the blues. The Black Keys stay true to the original pieces while simultaneously incorporating some of their own sound and vision into the tunes. While the majority of the tunes are Junior Kimbrough tunes, you can tell when the songs are by a different author, and you can hear all the different elements that have influenced what The Black Keys have done so far.
I found this record to be a remarkable way to journey further into truly discovering and appreciating blues music. Like I said above, I didn’t exactly grow up on it, so I still have a lot to learn. I don’t know everything, but I do know this: without The Black Keys, modern rock wouldn’t be the same, but without the blues, we wouldn’t have The Black Keys. Throw on some headphones, pour yourself a drink, and let this record take you down south for one hell of a time.
The Breakdown E14: Kicked Out! ( Lead Singers Who Left )
Welcome to another episode of The Breakdown, your weekly talk for everything in the rock world. Band drama happens and unfortunately it leads to a band member leaving for good or to return later. In this episode we discuss lead singers who left the band for good or came back and made the band better than ever.
Review: New Angeles Continue to Deliver with “Never Meant To Last”
New Angeles are back at it with another killer release, but this one, while it’ll rock you to your bones just like their other two singles, is a little different.
“Never Meant To Last” features drummer Ricky Parish on lead vocals, and it’s so nice to finally get to hear his voice! His voice to me, though not identical, is reminiscent of Brad Delp’s, the lead singer of Boston. He brings a unique classic rock vocal and wail to the track, and I hope we hear him again on lead in the future.
What I love most about this song is how it feels like it’s fallen straight out of the 70s or 80s. This track really feels like a classic rock jam; it certainly wouldn’t be out of place on a classic rock playlist! At the same time, this track still feels like pure New Angeles – hard hitting rock that makes you want to get up and go crazy!
I’ve said before that the confidence coming out of these guys would make you think they’ve been releasing music for years, and this song just proves that point further. You can hear the confidence oozing out of this track, especially in those hard hitting vocals. If you told me that this was a band that had already released several albums, I’d believe you – that’s how tight this band is!
Go give “Never Meant To Last” a spin or two right now, and just try not to crank your volume all the way up – I bet you can’t!
Interview with California Hard Rockers, Cold Shoulder
Evie sat down over Zoom with on-the-rise California hard rockers Cold Shoulder for a brief chat about all things music, recording, touring, and more. Check it out to hear lead singer Marcus’ best tips for vocalists, wild video shoot stories, what records each band member would bring to a deserted island, and a couple *very* convincing reasons to pre-order the band’s upcoming EP.
Review: Echo Pilot's "Long Time Coming"
With more and more people getting vaccinated and the weather getting nicer, it’s beginning to feel like normalcy is just around the corner. The compulsion to buy concert tickets has been strooong, and I’ve been combatting that urge by tirelessly curating playlists of the best summer jams. We’re still here, the world is opening up again, and musicians have been hard at work cooking up jams for us while we were all sequestered away in our rooms during the pandemic.
Echo Pilot released a new single this weekend, and much like the return live music and normal life, this single is a Long Time Coming (sorry boys, I had to.)
“Long Time Coming” is sweeter and less fuzz heavy than the other tunes currently in the band’s oeuvre, but it balances out their catalog nicely. It’s remarkably uplifting, and it’s an ear worm that buries itself in your brain and lives there. This is a lot more pleasant than it sounds.
This single has been stuck in my head for days. While LTC does have stylistic differences from “Harry Houdini” and “Field Day,” fans of Echo Pilot will recognize that same delicious riffy-ness they’re familiar with in “Long Time Coming”.
“Some day you will find
a brand new state of mind
where the past and present days
are now your own”
Echo Pilot has influences from varying genres, with punk, grunge, and hard rock shining through most prominently. Fans of bands like Green Day or Foo Fighters will feel right at home adding Echo Pilot to their listening rotation.
Long Time Coming was conceptualized and written more than a year ago. Yet still the zeitgeist of surviving this hellish past year is captured so eloquently in this single. The vibe is immaculate. The best music is mood altering, and “Long Time Coming” certainly fits that bill. It’s infused with a persistent optimism that actually makes me hopeful for the future (be still, my crusty, jaded heart.) There couldn’t be a better time to release it either. (Have you seen these music festival lineups?!) If you’ve got a playlist to hype you up for summer, this is definitely one to add to it.
The Breakdown Episode 13: Stripped (All Acoustic)
Welcome to another episode of The Breakdown, your weekly talk for everything in the rock world.
Sometimes the stripped down acoustic version of your favorite song, may even be better than the original. For this episode, we throw down some of our favorite acoustic tracks that you may or may not have heard of…
Album Review: Dodie's Build A Problem
On May 7th, Dodie’s debut album, Build A Problem, made its grand debut for the whole world to hear. As someone who has been listening to Dodie for years and religiously watching her Youtube videos... I was ecstatic about this release. For 10 years, she’s been in the public eye on Youtube sharing pieces of her life. Uploading vlogs, song covers with her mates, and even songs she wrote herself. Without fear, she’s shared the deepest parts of herself. She’s created a safe space for all of her fans to look inward and find themselves. A safe space to be open about mental health, sexuality, and self-acceptance. Her two EPs, Intertwined (2016) and You (2017) were my introductions to her, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Her music has surely evolved over the past couple of years. Dodie has such a distinct sound that transcends time itself. She’s an extraordinary writer whose words come from the inner depths of her heart, mind, and soul. Her vulnerability seeping through every lyric and humming melody.
Build A Problem is a record that tells a story of love, lust, heartache, loss, remorse, and yearning. When I listened to it for the first time, I was astounded. This album is Dodie Clark in her most raw and unfiltered state. We’re given a glimpse into the mind of the songstress herself, and we’re being shown her point of view. I have to rave about 7 songs, in particular, that caught my undivided attention. What makes Build A Problem even more magnificent are the cinematic lyric videos. Each video gives the listener a deeper understanding of what Dodie is conveying through each track.
SOME OF MY FAVORITES
AIR SO SWEET:
“I run barefoot, shoes at the door
The air so sweet, I gulp and gasp for more
A night so still, I dance, I soar
Oh, this is what I'm living for.”
“Air So Sweet” is a song that was initially released on her Youtube channel back in 2018. After a session she had with singer, Jacob Collier, she felt on top of the world. She ran down the road to visit a friend of hers. At the moment, she felt grounded and alive.
In her video, “Air So Sweet” (demo), she described the feeling she had in that very moment in time, “It was cold and it was misty and I was just laughing to myself running down the road.” When she uploaded “Air So Sweet” as merely a demo, she talked about how she felt it was “undone.” 3 years later, the once “unfinished” song is now “complete.” “Air So Sweet” is beautifully produced and adds a sense of warmth to the record. That’s the wonderful part about having songs on the shelf, you can always come back to them down the road. If somethings meant to be, you’ll always find your way back to it. I believe it was always destined to being the first track on the album.
In the first lyric video, she eagerly hops into the car. You could feel the excitement beaming from her face. She had a twinkle in her eye that shined with expectancy. Expectancy for the day ahead of her. Just from the video, you can get the impression that she had high hopes. A glimmer of hope.
SPECIAL GIRL:
“Sweet, sweet irony
Could not care less if you love me
But hate me first, yeah make me work; that's perfect
Baby, I'm a funny thing
I'm walking if it doesn't sting
Heartbreak only means that it was worth it
Oh, I think I was doomed before I began
Mmm sorry, I just know the way that I am”
In “Special Girl”, Dodie sings of accepting herself for who she is. Inside and out.
Dodie isn’t pretending to be the kind of person who has it all together, and has “life all figured out.” On the contrary, she’s saying “here are my flaws, and here are the things that make me human.” The playfulness of the song makes me want to dance around and embrace my own imperfections. The video bursts with color and has a wildly youthful disposition.
RAINBOW:
“Rainbow” is a song written about the shame that people often endure within the LGBTQ+ community. Dodie herself has experienced firsthand what it’s like to be told that her feelings aren’t valid. In Rainbow, Dodie reminds her listeners that there’s nothing wrong with loving who you desire to love. Accepting yourself for who you are and embracing your sexuality is beautiful. At the beginning of the lyric video, Dodie’s sitting in the backseat facing away from the window as she begins to sing,
“I was brought up in a line
But I seem to walk in circles
When every map was never made for me
And I thought it would feel good
To understand why I was different
But my title just talks over me
I never even asked to be this way.”
A minute into the song, she slides over to the other window and begins to stare out into the night sky. As she began to sing the chorus, the dark night began to illuminate with bright colors. All the colors of the rainbow glistened upon her skin. As the strings began to build up, I felt a lump in my throat. Rainbow is such a meaningful and touching track, and it’s one of my all-time favorites from the album.
“But to say that I'm a rainbow
To tell me that I'm bright
When I'm so used to feeling wrong
Well, it makes me feel alright”
Both interludes (? and .): These two tracks make the hairs on my arms raise and send shivers all throughout my body. “?” is an eerie minute-long track that leads into the following, “Four Tequilas Down”. I have said it before and I’ll say it again, I am enthralled by Dodie’s harmonies. There’s just something about how she hums that I’ll never get tired of. There are layers upon layers of humming with this song. It’s hypnotizing to hear those sounds, and how they just flow seamlessly into one another.
“.” carries a heavier presence. Right after Four Tequilas Down, we are introduced to another minute-long interlude. Instead of humming, we are greeted with a hauntingly beautiful string composition. Dodie arranged this herself, and I remember watching her video in the studio with her 13-piece string section. She was in her element, and the passion in the room was palpable. Dodie has expressed how she has always desired to have strings in her music. One moment in particular that I find myself replaying time and time again is at “0:47.” Every time without fail, I find myself scrunching up my face and grasping the sounds emitting from the strings.
“.” doesn’t require any lyrics. The message that comes from the instrumental speaks for itself. An exquisite work of art.
Sorry:
“And oh, didn't want to believe such a monster in me
And I know, I've always known, in the end, I'd be sorry
And that's all I am now, and it's all I can be
Is sorry.”
In “Sorry”, Dodie shows deep remorse. It’s a song that reminds you of how detrimental “heat of the moment” conversations and actions are. When you are in the midst of conflict and tensions are high, sometimes words are said that can never be taken back. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations we shouldn’t have been involved in. When it’s all said and done, you cannot undo the past. The lyric video captures a tearful Dodie in the backseat of a car, with every moment going into reverse. I could tangibly feel the ache in Dodie’s voice, and seeing the pain in her eyes felt like a dagger to the heart. The echoing layered vocals intertwining with the strings added to the overall somber sound and led us right into “When”.
When:
“Am I the only one
Wishing life away?
Never caught up in the moment
Busy begging the past to stay
Mеmories painted with much brighter ink
Thеy tell me I loved, teach me how to think.”
The moment I noticed that this song was on her debut album, I audibly gasped. For those who are unaware, this song was released in 2016. “When” originally was on her first EP, Intertwined. It’s a song about yearning deeply for the past, and having to come to terms with life's inevitable changes. This beautifully remastered version of When exceeded every single one of my expectations. Just when I thought the 2016 version made my heartache... The 2021 version shattered my heart into a million pieces. In the lyric video, you see a close-up of Dodie's side profile. Behind her, there is a montage of memories playing on a big screen. You get to see bits and pieces of Dodie's life play back to back. One moment she's a little girl getting her face painted. The next she’s in a dance recital or frolicking on a playground. When encapsulates the feeling of longing for something that is no longer within tangible reach. Whether that’s mourning over a loss of innocence, old friendships, family members who aren’t around anymore, or a place you’ve once called home. When causes you to go down memory lane, and sucker punches with strong hits of nostalgia. For many years, my favorite part has always been near the end when the refrain meets the lovely strings. How Dodie's harmonies and the strings beautifully interweave together. It causes me to close my eyes, and reflect on my own life. I begin to see thousands of memories flash by at hyperspeed. I’ll be transparent and say I’ve spent many nights crying to this song in the past. Dodie has always been an artist who has gotten me through many trials and tribulations. In many ways, her vulnerability and resilience have inspired me and kept me running towards my dreams. (cliche and sappy I know but it’s true.)
Build A Problem is Dodie Clark's first album, but I know for a fact it will not be her last. Every single moment of the record felt honest and real. With every listen, I find new things to love about the production and the lyrics. There are many layers within this album that are just dying to be discovered. I recommend this album to every single soul and I will shout it from the rooftops if I have to. If you are unfamiliar with Dodie’s discography, now’s the perfect time to dive right in. Watch all of the lyric videos, dissect the lyrics and allow Dodie to tell her story to you. It’s worth it. 1000000% worth it. This is only the beginning for Dodie. This is the first of many albums to come, and I’m eagerly awaiting to see what’s next.
Congratulations on a splendid record, Dodie.
10/10