Friday, 15 November 2019

Northern Girl

Listen here:

Northern Girl

"Northern Girl" is a hard-hitting, rock-infused indie pop anthem dedicated to the strong and empowering women in the band's lives, who all hail from the northern regions of their country. The song channels raw energy and edgy vibes, complemented by powerful vocals and electrifying instrumentals.

The opening lines immediately set the rebellious tone, challenging the "Culture Vulture" and refusing to conform to societal norms. The band embraces the feeling of liberation and confidence, knowing they have nothing to lose and that their northern girls are their main source of love and inspiration.

The pre-chorus emphasizes the transformative power of these women, making the narrator feel more real and in touch with their emotions. The band acknowledges that these women have a unique ability to teach others how to truly feel and embrace their authentic selves.

The chorus becomes a powerful anthem, proudly declaring that these women are "Northern Girls" and celebrating their individuality and strength. The band expresses their pride in showcasing these women to the world, unapologetically selling their uniqueness to a global audience.

In the second verse, the band continues to rebel against mainstream fashion and trends, opting to go their own way and follow their northern girls. The line "Make you happy, you've got nothing to say" suggests that the narrator finds contentment and liberation in being true to themselves and following their own path.

The post-solo section reiterates the transformative influence of these women, teaching others how to feel and embracing their authenticity. The repetition of "we can teach you how to feel" emphasizes the profound impact these women have on those around them.

The final chorus serves as a triumphant reiteration of the band's celebration of their northern girls, proudly selling their unique qualities to the world. The repetition of "I sold her to the world" not only emphasizes the band's pride in their northern girls but also showcases the global influence and reach of these strong women.

"Northern Girl" is a powerful and gritty tribute to the band's wives and girlfriends, embracing their individuality, strength, and transformative power. The hard-hitting instrumentals and impassioned vocals capture the essence of these fearless women, creating an unforgettable and empowering indie rock anthem.

Johnny Remembers

"Johnny Remembers" is a poignant and reflective indie rock pop song that delves into the memories and regrets of a childhood friend named Johnny, who had both positive and negative influences on the life of one of the band members. The song's heartfelt lyrics and emotive instrumentals create a moving and introspective musical journey.

The opening lines, "Johnny remembers, Johnny's regrets, Johnny's not over, Till he forgets," set the contemplative tone of the song, implying that Johnny carries a mix of memories and regrets that still impact him to this day.

The first verse takes us back to the carefree days of childhood, where Johnny and the band member used to play together by the bay, riding bikes and enjoying their innocent adventures. It hints at a close bond between them, but also alludes to the eventual separation when Johnny's life took a different path, drifting away from the camaraderie they once shared.

The chorus serves as a recurring reflection on Johnny's life, with a touch of melancholy and concern for his well-being. It portrays Johnny as a complex character, struggling with the consequences of his actions and choices, yet trying to cope and move forward.

The second verse delves deeper into Johnny's journey through adulthood, highlighting his struggles with various issues, including crime, relationships, and addiction. The lines "But what is the use, of an excuse, When you're inside!" suggest that Johnny may have faced legal repercussions for his actions, and the band member grapples with understanding and empathizing with his friend's situation.

The chorus resurfaces, emphasizing the weight of Johnny's memories and the lingering impact of his regrets. The repetition of the chorus magnifies the emotional intensity of the song, expressing the complexity of Johnny's experiences and the lingering effects on both him and the band member.

"Johnny Remembers" is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, growth, and the lasting influence of life choices. The song offers a window into the challenges faced by a childhood friend, leaving the band member with a mix of emotions as they remember the past and consider Johnny's present circumstances. The emotional depth and musical authenticity of "Johnny Remembers" make it a captivating indie rock pop anthem that leaves listeners pondering the complexities of life's journey.

Thursday, 18 July 2019

English Teacher

PlasticSole Single: "English Teacher"

"English Teacher" by PlasticSole is a reflective indie rock pop song that skillfully navigates the journey from youthful immaturity to adult understanding, specifically in the context of appreciating the profound impact of teachers. The song's structure brilliantly contrasts the narrator's past and present perspectives: verses capture the humorous frustrations and often prejudiced views of their school days, while the choruses express an adult's regret and a newfound desire to have truly known their teachers. From disliking English teachers with their "floral skirts and baskets on their bikes" and feeling misunderstood, to humorously (and regrettably) mischaracterizing drama teachers and their lack of understanding toward diversity, and finally, to playfully describing RE teachers while touching upon religious freedom, each verse encapsulates a distinct adolescent viewpoint. These youthful anecdotes are then powerfully recontextualized in the choruses, where the mature narrator longs for a deeper connection with these figures, recognizing the importance of understanding, empathy, and diverse perspectives that they once dismissed. Ultimately, "English Teacher" is a thought-provoking and relatable song that underscores the value of personal growth, the lasting influence of educators, and the journey toward embracing diversity and empathy.

English Teacher single cover art

Listen to "English Teacher" Here:

Summary Piano Song

The B-Side is "Summary Piano Song", a whimsical and nostalgic indie rock pop masterpiece, characterized by its enchanting piano melodies. Written from the perspective of a woman reflecting on her life in its autumn, the title itself is a clever play on "summery," encapsulating both the song's warm feel and its theme of summarizing one's journey. The lyrics open with the narrator contemplating her reading habits and acknowledging her gift for storytelling, capable of evoking strong emotions. She subtly hints at her age by recalling romantic experiences from 1959, expressing a desire to share her life's tales and family history, painted with vivid imagery of whispered kisses juxtaposed with her father reading history.

The song progresses as the narrator lists numerous experiences she never had—extensive travel, fancy cars, or owning a TV—yet she harbors no regrets, firmly believing that her life is far from over. This positive outlook is reinforced in the chorus, where she equates a smile with a desire for another decade and an appreciation for life's moments, alluding to the lasting influence of her "childish dreams." The middle section adds a touch of humor, with recollections of never skydiving, touring Spain, or smoking a cigar, playfully mentioning she "never wore a panama." Despite these unfulfilled experiences, she remains content, finding joy in life's simpler pleasures. The chorus returns with renewed enthusiasm, highlighting her eagerness to connect and share her story, recognizing the initiative lies with her. Ultimately, "Summary Piano Song" is a beautiful and heartwarming portrayal of nostalgia, gratitude, and self-reflection, inviting listeners to ponder their own life's journey.