Routine Fuss’ latest track, “Headass,” from their upcoming album ‘Live, Laugh, Fuss,’ is a dynamic and introspective journey through the complexities of self-expectation and the sobering realization that sobriety alone isn’t a panacea for life’s challenges. Originating from Chicago, IL, Routine Fuss brings an unapologetic rawness to the alternative rock scene, blending elements of math rock to create a sound that’s both familiar and refreshingly original.

“Headass” kicks off with a burst of energy – its instrumentation is both intricate and aggressive, setting the stage for a narrative that’s as emotionally charged as it is rhythmically compelling. The band has a knack for crafting hooky riffs that are not only catchy but convey the song’s underlying tension and frustration. There’s a palpable sense of grappling with internal demons, a theme that resonates deeply in the lyrics “struggling with the idea of living up to expectations.”

What makes “Headass” stand out is its unflinching honesty. The song doesn’t shy away from the gritty reality of facing life head-on, post-sobriety. It acknowledges that while removing a vice can be transformative, it isn’t a cure-all solution. This realization is poignantly encapsulated in lines like “even after getting sober all your problems aren’t magically solved.” It’s a mature, reflective take on self-improvement and personal accountability, themes that are often glossed over in more superficial narratives.

Instrumentally, the song is a rollercoaster. From the frenetic opening to the big, bold ender, there’s a sense of constant motion, mirroring the emotional ups and downs of the song’s protagonist. The band’s ability to weave complex time signatures and rhythms typical of math rock into their sound adds an extra layer of sophistication to the track, engaging listeners who appreciate technical prowess alongside lyrical depth.

In conclusion, “Headass” by Routine Fuss is more than just an alt-rock track; it’s a candid, introspective look at the challenges of personal growth and the often overlooked complexities of sobriety. With its energetic instrumentals, hooky riffs, and emotionally charged lyrics, the song is a powerful addition to Routine Fuss’ repertoire and a promising glimpse of what their new record ‘Live, Laugh, Fuss’ will offer.

In her profoundly moving track “Colored,” Samantha Clemons delves deep into the exploration of identity and self-perception, set against the backdrop of a neo-soul soundscape. The song is a testament to Clemons’ journey as an artist, a reflection of her life experiences that have been both diverse and challenging. Born into a military family and constantly on the move, Clemons’ narrative in “Colored” resonates with the feeling of being an outsider, an ‘outline’ that is colored in by the perceptions and expectations of others.

“Colored” begins with the hauntingly beautiful lines, “I’m on the outside / I’m just an outline / You colored me in.” Here, Clemons’ voice, rich and emotive, brings a sense of vulnerability and introspection. The song progresses through various emotional landscapes, using colors as metaphors for feelings and experiences. The lyrics, “Why did you choose, such somber blues / See I’m sad but these laughs keep breaking through,” illustrate the complex interplay of emotions that define her journey – the sadness tinged with moments of joy and resilience.

Musically, “Colored” is a soulful blend of Clemons’ influences, with hints of folk and blues adding depth to the neo-soul foundation. The composition is minimalistic yet powerful, allowing Clemons’ voice to take center stage and carry the emotional weight of the song. The use of metaphors like “A little highlight / A bit of lilac / Amidst the black” further emphasizes the song’s theme of searching for light and color in the darkness of life’s challenges.

The chorus, “But I’m on the outside, I’m just an outline / You’ve colored me in, as you deem fit,” speaks to the universal human experience of being defined by others and the struggle to assert one’s true identity. Clemons’ lyrics are a poetic and insightful reflection on how external influences shape our sense of self, often at odds with our internal perceptions and desires.

In summary, “Colored” is not just a song but a poignant narrative that showcases Samantha Clemons’ exceptional songwriting and vocal talent. It is a deeply personal yet universally relatable piece that challenges listeners to contemplate their own identities and the colors with which they have been painted by the world around them. With “Colored,” Clemons cements her place as a formidable voice in contemporary music, capable of weaving complex emotional themes into compelling and beautiful melodies.

“Lonely Dove” by Tall Teeth is a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the painful yet necessary act of letting go. Bradley Price, the creative force behind Tall Teeth, brings to life a hauntingly beautiful narrative with his delicate instrumentation and introspective songwriting. The song resonates with a melancholic beauty, echoing the influences of artists like Fionn Regan and Iron & Wine, while carving out its unique space in the realm of acoustic folk.

The track opens with an evocative scene: “Late night / Under the stars / At the same time / Waiting to drown in the moonshine.” These lines immediately immerse the listener in a contemplative mood, setting the stage for a journey through memory and emotion. Price’s voice, reminiscent of Jeff Buckley in its emotive delivery, adds a layer of depth to the lyrics. The chorus, “Goodbye, lonely dove,” repeated with a haunting refrain, symbolizes the act of releasing something cherished yet unattainable. It’s a universal sentiment, capturing the essence of moving on from a love that was never meant to be.

Instrumentally, “Lonely Dove” is understated yet profound. The ukelele provides a gentle, flowing backdrop to the vocals, creating an intimate atmosphere that allows the listener to fully absorb the emotional weight of the song. The simplicity of the arrangement is its strength, focusing on the raw emotion conveyed through Price’s voice and lyrics. This minimalistic approach underscores the song’s theme of finding beauty in sadness and peace in acceptance.

Lyrically, the song weaves a tale of reminiscence and reflection. The line “This valley’s in low light / And there’s you / Carved up the world in your shoes” suggests a deep connection with someone who has left an indelible mark on the narrator’s life. The imagery of carving up the world implies a shared journey, a path walked together but now diverging. The song’s bridge, with its repeated “Goodbye, lonely dove,” serves as both a farewell and an acknowledgment of the inevitable – a graceful acceptance of the end of a chapter.

In summary, “Lonely Dove” is a masterfully crafted song that speaks to the heart. It’s a testament to Tall Teeth’s ability to create music that is both haunting and healing, offering a cathartic experience for anyone who has ever had to let go of something or someone dear. With its blend of melancholic lyrics, emotive vocals, and minimalistic instrumentation, “Lonely Dove” is a standout track that showcases Tall Teeth’s unique voice in the folk genre.

Blue Beam’s “Zodiac Chiller,” the electrifying opener for their album “No More Dinosaurs,” is a riveting journey through the heart of slacker and alternative rock with a progressive edge. Hailing from Chicago, Blue Beam has crafted a track that pulses with the city’s dynamic energy, blending rock’s raw power with funk’s rhythmic nuances. “Zodiac Chiller” is not just a song; it’s an auditory adventure that captures the band’s essence, characterized by moodiness, energy, and a dash of darkness.

Lyrically, the song dives into themes of emotional exhaustion and the necessity of letting go, encapsulated in lines like “I’ve had enough / Enough your reasons / Your asking too much / I’m gone with the seasons.” This sense of weariness is contrasted with a determination to rise above, as seen in “I’ll rise through my feelings / I’ll settle my scores / On something worth bleeding.” The chorus, “I must let go,” becomes a mantra, reinforcing the song’s message of breaking free from the constraints of the past and moving forward. The powerful imagery of breaking stone and changing worries to something of greater value adds depth to the narrative, illustrating the transformative journey the protagonist is undergoing.

Musically, “Zodiac Chiller” is an amalgamation of Blue Beam’s diverse influences. The song starts with a laid-back groove, typical of slacker rock, but gradually builds into a more energetic and complex arrangement, reflecting the band’s progressive rock inclinations. The guitar work is both intricate and catchy, creating a tapestry of sound that perfectly complements the song’s thematic content. The rhythm section, with its funk-infused beats, adds a groovy undercurrent that makes “Zodiac Chiller” irresistibly danceable, despite its moody undertones.

In summary, “Zodiac Chiller” is a standout track that showcases Blue Beam’s ability to weave together different genres into a cohesive and compelling narrative. The song’s exploration of emotional resilience, coupled with its engaging musicality, makes it a must-listen for fans of alternative and progressive rock. As the lead single of “No More Dinosaurs,” it sets a high bar for the rest of the album and solidifies Blue Beam’s place in the contemporary rock landscape.

Small Victory’s “Afraid of Change” is a striking testament to the band’s burgeoning potential in the realms of psychedelic and indie rock. This song, recorded at Polychrome Ranch with Jared Corder of *repeat repeat, marks the Nashville-based duo’s studio debut, plunging into the depths of introspection and emotional turbulence. Echoing the vibes of Briston Maroney and Peach Pit, with a hint of Beach Fossils’ dreamy aesthetic, “Afraid of Change” is a blend of moody lyricism and energetic rhythms, encapsulating the complex dance of clinging to the familiar amid the inexorable tides of change.

The song’s narrative dwells on the difficulty of transformation and the tendency to cling to old habits and memories, even when they’re painful or self-destructive. The lyrics, “You’re so afraid of change / Still buying packs of cigarettes with your iced tea,” illustrate a vivid picture of someone caught in the inertia of their ways, unwilling or unable to break free. The imagery of “that cold, winter air, it pierced your skin just like a memory,” further adds to the song’s emotional depth, portraying how past experiences can linger and affect one’s present. The poignant lines, “And every word was filled with the hatred of a hundred men, it’s so absurd,” delve into the frustration and disbelief at seeing someone trapped in their own cycles.

Musically, “Afraid of Change” showcases Small Victory’s flair for crafting songs that are both introspective and sonically vibrant. The blend of psychedelic undertones with indie rock energy creates a soundscape that is as thought-provoking as it is engaging. The track demonstrates the duo’s capacity for nuanced storytelling, weaving a narrative that is relatable and deeply human. “Afraid of Change” stands as a compelling entry in Small Victory’s discography, promising a bright future for the duo as they continue to explore the intricate layers of human emotions and experiences through their music.