We Speak Indie Artist

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

Published

5 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

FRGN-SPCMN’s RIDE AROUND THE SUN: A Masterpiece of Sound, Reflection, and Emotional Depth

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2024

Music4U

North Carolina-based producer duo FRGN-SPCMN, composed of Ronnie Belle and André Jones, have crafted an album that feels as much like a personal diary as it does a universal meditation. RIDE AROUND THE SUN is a vivid exploration of life’s complexities, set against a backdrop of experimental beats, rich instrumentation, and hauntingly introspective lyrics. Known for their collaborations with Coast Contra and TDE’s Lance Skiiiwalker, as well as their contributions to Issa Rae’s Insecure soundtrack, FRGN-SPCMN have taken their own artistry to new heights with this release.

At its core, RIDE AROUND THE SUN is a reflection on the dualities that define our existence—pain and pleasure, chaos and calm, struggle and growth. The title track, featuring Mez and Ace Henderson, serves as the album’s emotional anchor. Mez’s poignant storytelling tackles systemic struggles and personal resilience, while Henderson’s smooth, reflective chorus encapsulates the perpetual search for peace and meaning. The lyric, “Round and round the sun again, I feel like I should go,” feels like a mantra for anyone grappling with the cyclical nature of life’s challenges.

The production throughout the album is strikingly cinematic. Inspired by a transformative trip to Joshua Tree, Belle and Jones weave together sounds that evoke the vastness of the desert. Tracks like “TO THE SKY” and “LOVE IN VEIN” combine earthy guitar riffs, subtle electronic flourishes, and layered percussion, creating a soundscape that feels both grounded and surreal. The duo’s ability to create space within their music allows listeners to lose themselves in its expansiveness while connecting deeply to the themes it explores.

What sets this album apart is its pacing and cohesion. FRGN-SPCMN have mastered the art of creating a narrative arc within their music. From the contemplative opener (“DAWN”) to the meditative closer (“CABANA BLUE”), each track feels intentional and interconnected. The tempos remain largely laid-back, but there’s an underlying tension—a pull that mirrors the unpredictability of life. It’s the kind of album that rewards repeated listens, with new details revealing themselves each time.

Beyond the sonics, RIDE AROUND THE SUN is a call for empathy and understanding. The duo’s message is clear: while our individual journeys may differ, we are all passengers on this shared ride around the sun. It’s an album that doesn’t just entertain but challenges the listener to reflect on their place in the world.

In a time when music often feels disposable, FRGN-SPCMN have delivered a project that demands attention and reflection. RIDE AROUND THE SUN is a masterpiece of sound and substance—a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the human experience. For those seeking depth, emotion, and artistry, this album is not to be missed.