Author: Alisa Isela

Photo Courtesy of Wholewheat’s Facebook

Wholewheat’s album Songs From My Parent’s Basement is a masterful work of emotion and authenticity. The album possesses an abundance of raw emotion, which causes the collection to play like the inner-monologue of a broken man. Truth and sincerity drips from every verse as tales of loss and insecurity are sung. Cheery melodies compliment sorrowful lyrics well, and despite the upbeat nature of some of the tracks the dark feelings behind the words are evident.

When listening to this album you’ll find yourself swaying along to thoughts of suicide and rejection, something that might leave you feeling a little messed up inside. Listeners who identify heavily with the album might feel odd knowing that they, too, feel twisted, but instead of turning to isolation may those listeners take comfort in knowing that someone else out there feels the similar during times of turmoil; lost, confused and even a bit manic.

This album rocked me to my core.

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“We are like butterflies who flutter for a day and think it is forever.” — Carl Sagan

Photo Courtesy of Dear Life’s Facebook

Sadness is a melody, and Dear Life, plays it well. 

“Fear is a Dirty Aphrodisiac” is one of their newer, ambient-heavy tracks. The song, which greets your ears with atmospheric tones set by the lovely voice of Bishi Kaneta, is a dark journey for those searching for human connection.

The use of keyboard sets the undertone of the track while singular guitar riffs move the narrative forward. Introspective lyrics beg for emotional contact, peace from the past and just a “little kindness.” All these elements combine to create a solid track that’ll leave you searching for more in all your relationships. 

At the end of the day, Dear Life, reminds us that “truth is a kind of danger”, a revelation that might leave you feeling pretty damn low.

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“We are like butterflies who flutter for a day and think it is forever.” — Carl Sagan

Photo Courtesy of Fifty Year Storm’s Facebook

Fifty Year Storm are masters of rock. Their music is often raw with emotion, and “Rain on Fire” is no exception. The tune starts off as a dark and twisted love song about a romance that doesn’t feel quite right. Through the course of the track Fifty Year Storm combines multiple musical elements that include soft plucks of a guitar and the use of a violin to convey their message: confront your demons before falling in love. The song takes the realization that a person you love is incapable of being saved and uses it as motivation to end a toxic relationship. However, just when you think that the song can be classified as a breakup ballad the lyrics take you for one more emotional ride. 

Despite the song conveying a sense of liberation from a harmful romance, the last few lyrics give way to truth. “I don’t want you to stay away,” the song sings, almost begrudgingly. That one shocking admission changes the entire tone of the track. It implies that there’s more than just indignation in this broken relationship, and that despite the anger the singer feels the pain of losing someone close to them. “There’s no one else like me for you”, the lyrics sing. “And there’s no one else like me too.”

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“We are like butterflies who flutter for a day and think it is forever.” — Carl Sagan

Photo Courtesy of J. Nicholas Allard’s Instagram

When I find myself in need of inspiration, I go for a drive. These drives don’t last long, and I usually don’t have a destination in mind when I leave, but that doesn’t really matter. What I’m looking for on these drives is the rhythmic lull of the car and the road, pulling me towards an idea or feeling that I was struggling to grasp before.

“To Be on a Star”, one of J. Nicholas Allard’s latest releases, reminds me of that feeling with its smooth melody and strong vocals.

Allard’s love of West African blues comes through subtly in the track with his use of bongos and other acoustic instruments, creating an emotion and rhythm that is reminiscent of an era where romance was tougher, angrier and even a bit sexier.

Lyrics that dare his lover to break his heart encourages listeners to feel the challenge and excitement of love again.

Although “To Be on a Star” is deeply different from Allard’s other tracks, which feel closer to progressive rock than to blues, the song does not feel misplaced on his discography. Instead, “To Be on a Star” serves as a unique reminder that Allard is a man of many musical talents.

I went for a drive recently and, as I often do, put on some music to calm me down after a long day. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t singing along to To Be on a Star the entire time.

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“We are like butterflies who flutter for a day and think it is forever.” — Carl Sagan

Photo Courtesy of EUT’s Instagram

EUT explodes with raw energy in their track, “Bad Sweet Pony”. The song highlights the band’s fresh take on the alternative genre with recurrent verses and a vitality that is unique to female-led acts.

Balanced drum beats, wicked guitar work and soft keyboard undertones bring this song to the forefront of the post-pop scene, a spot that EUT is finding themselves very comfortable in.

The song’s exploration of a cool, fresh romance inspires a night out with friends, or a day spent getting close to a new lover.

It’s a fun, energetic bop that leaves listeners craving excitement.

As the alternative genre shifts and expands to fit modern trends so does EUT, and “Bad Sweet Pony” is an example of the band’s willingness to try new things while staying true to their roots.

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“We are like butterflies who flutter for a day and think it is forever.” — Carl Sagan