We Speak Indie Artist

comets near me’s Debut EP “Don’t Pick the Flowers” Delivers Indie Gold

Published

10 months ago

June 19, 2024

Music4U

Photo by Tristan (TreeStamp) Padron

San Jose’s latest indie sensation, comets near me, have burst onto the scene with their debut EP, “Don’t Pick the Flowers,” and it’s nothing short of a revelation. Maria and Kyle, the dynamic duo behind the name, have crafted a four-track journey that’s as raw and real as it gets, straight from their backyard shed to our ears.

Starting things off with a bang, “Pedestal” is a cheeky takedown of self-righteous moralizers. With lyrics like, “You judge someone that you don’t know for things they can’t control. It must get lonely in the corner on your pedestal,” this track pulls no punches. The infectious beat and catchy guitar riffs set the stage for an EP that’s both thought-provoking and fun.

“Hallway Light” is the heart of the EP, blending introspective lyrics with a mesmerizing soundscape. Maria’s vocals, paired with twinkling bells, create an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and eerily beautiful. The song tackles the absurdities of childhood beliefs and adult disillusionments, asking questions like, “Why were we told to believe in Santa?” It’s a contemplative piece that lingers long after the last note.

Next up is “The Last Time I Saw Him,” a melancholic ballad that tells a haunting story of a friend lost to a downward spiral. The gentle finger-picked guitar and Maria’s poignant delivery make this track a standout. It’s a stark reminder of the fragility of human connections and the pain of watching someone slip away. The lyrics, “He knows so many people but they just know his name,” hit hard with their stark realism.

Closing the EP is “Purgatory,” a track that beautifully captures the feeling of being stuck in life’s in-between moments. With lines like, “Maybe in a month, maybe in a year, I can find the strength to leave the comfort of the bed,” the song speaks to anyone who’s ever felt lost or paralyzed by indecision. The melody is both soothing and uplifting, a perfect end to a deeply introspective journey.

“Don’t Pick the Flowers” isn’t just an EP; it’s an experience. Maria and Kyle have managed to create something that’s deeply personal yet universally relatable. Their story of meeting by chance and creating music in a shed is the stuff of indie dreams, and it shines through in every note and lyric.

The EP’s title, inspired by a funny run-in with a park ranger, serves as a metaphor for the organic process of growth and self-discovery. It’s a reminder to let things unfold naturally, without rushing or forcing the outcome.

comets near me have delivered a debut that’s both fresh and timeless, capturing the essence of what it means to be young, confused, and hopeful. “Don’t Pick the Flowers” is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates music with heart, soul, and a touch of whimsy. Keep an eye on this duo – they’re just getting started, and we can’t wait to see where they go next.

We Speak Indie Artist

Marz Starlife Makes A Striking First Impression With Healing

Published

2 weeks ago

April 4, 2025

Music4U

Every once in a while, a debut comes along that doesn’t just introduce an artist – it reveals a soul. Marz Starlife’s first EP, Healing, is exactly that. It’s raw, it’s heartfelt, and it doesn’t pretend to have everything figured out. Instead, it leans into the messiness of real life – the mistakes, the heartbreak, the isolation – and tries to make sense of it all through music. Born in Jamaica, raised in the UK, and now back on the island, Marz brings a cross-cultural perspective to his storytelling, but at the heart of Healing is something deeply human: the need to reckon with the past in order to move forward.

Across the project’s standout tracks, Marz doesn’t hold back. In Bad Memories, he opens up about years lost to incarceration, fractured relationships, and the weight of regret. “Spent four birthdays locked up, baby remember me please,” he raps, in a tone that’s both matter-of-fact and aching. The production stays subdued and moody, letting the lyrics breathe. There’s no glorification of the streets here, only reflection. He admits to being young and caught up in the chase for fast money, but he also shows growth, making it clear that he’s not the same person he once was. It’s a track that lingers, not because it tries to be flashy, but because it feels real.

The title track, Healing, is where everything clicks. Marz taps into something almost spiritual as he raps, “I turn pain into power, darkness to light.” The song is layered with poetic lines and subtle emotional shifts, balancing toughness with tenderness. There’s a determination to rise above, even when the scars still sting. He reflects on his upbringing, his time in the streets, and the inner battles he continues to fight. “No shrink can understand how I’m feeling,” he says, and honestly, it’s hard not to believe him. The pain here is too specific, too lived-in. But instead of letting it swallow him, he uses it to fuel something greater.

What’s refreshing about Healing is that it doesn’t try to fit neatly into any one genre or narrative. Marz blends elements of UK hip-hop, Jamaican rhythm, and emotional rap into something that feels uniquely his own. He’s not here to be the loudest or the flashiest; he’s here to be honest. And in a world full of over-produced, over-polished music, that honesty stands out.

With Healing, Marz Starlife has given us more than a debut; he’s given us a mirror into his journey, and maybe even our own. Whether you’ve lived through similar struggles or are just someone who appreciates music with depth and heart, this EP is worth your time. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it’s possible, and that sometimes telling your story is the most powerful thing you can do.