“Take Me Far Away” by modernlove. - A Song Feature

 

     With the release of “Take Me Far Away,” modernlove. capsized the approach taken by Simon & Garfunkel in the song “My Little Town.” Both songs reflect upon the difficulty of maintaining mental well-being while living in a small town. The lyrics of “Take Me Far Away” are included in this post. The S&G lyrics are more brutal – “And after it rains there's a rainbow // And all of the colors are black // It's not that the colors aren't there // It's just imagination they lack // Everything's the same back in my little town.” But the most apparent difference is that while S&G took a gloomy melodic approach, “Take Me Far Away” takes a get-on-your-feet, stadium-ready anthemic approach. It’s an interesting coincidence that the S&G song was released in 1975, while the single from moderlove. seems to be most influenced by the band The 1975.
 
     At the risk of torturing the comparison, the motivations for the two songs are related. Garfunkel explained that the song was about his own childhood, how he "grew up in an area where a career in music was not seen as either desirable or exciting" and Simon said it was about somebody happy to get out but didn’t specifically mention his fellow performer. Similarly, modernlove. do not hide the fact that there are limited opportunities afforded to a band from a small town, such as Drogheda, Ireland.
 
      In explaining “Take Me Far Away,” moderlove. said:
  “The name of the song is sort of a dead giveaway for its subject matter. It’s about dealing with mental health struggles while also being stuck in the repetitive monotony of small-town life. It’s a feeling I think everyone can relate to especially after covid. Every aspect of the song is just us venting our frustrations from the lyrical content to the aggressive distortion of the guitar and bass. Hopefully, people can take some comfort in knowing that they are not alone in feeling trapped in their own heads and there are always ways to feel better and escape.”
 
     The members of modernlove. are childhood friends Barry Lally (vocals, guitar), Daniel Rooney (bass), Graham Fagan (guitar, synth), and Cian McCluskey (drums). Despite their local popularity, gaining attention from the wider industry seemed like a world away. But once lockdown hit, the band retreated to their bedrooms and spent their time writing a catalogue of new songs. Around that time, one of their self-released demos was discovered by the London indie label Akira Records, which subsequently released their debut EP “monochrome blue” in 2021 before modernlove. upscaled their ambition with 2022’s “Oh My Mind” EP. 
 
     “Take Me Far Away” by modernlove.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernloveband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/modernlove_band

Lyrics of “Take Me Far Away” by modernlove.
I've been awake too long
I don't remember what's wrong
I try to hold the feeling
But the feelings gone
And I just can't stop
I run around in circles till my head comes off
I can't even look at myself
It won't get better
No it won't get better
 
Take me far away from here
All I ever ask of you
Take me far away from here
Anything you want me to
Far away from here
All I ever ask of you
Take me far away from here
Anywhere you want me to
 
I was looking for a way to kill some time
The days are all same it's never ending
All we do is go too far and drink too much
It's overrated
Oh it was only one night that I left you stranded
I wanna stay but I just can't stand it
You make me nervous and I just can't hack it
I wanna stay but I I wanna stay
 
Take me far away from here
All I ever ask of you
Take me far away from here
Anything you want me to
Far away from here
All I ever ask of you
Take me far away from here
Anywhere you want me to
 
I'm me far away from here
All I ever ask of you
Take me far away from here
Anything you want me to
Far away from here
All I ever ask of you
Take me far away from here
Anywhere you want me to

“Lost Myself” by SYML (featuring Guy Garvey) – A Song Feature

 

     During much of “Lost Myself,” SMYL lives in the falsetto range, providing a compelling contrast with the voice of Guy Garvey, the frontman of the band Elbow. The single shares very little else with “Hunger Strike” by Temple of the Dog, but for both, the contrast of the vocals of two accomplished male singers makes the song extraordinary.

     Perhaps the only other close connection of the two songs is Seattle – Eddie Vedder, Chris Cornell, and SYML (aka Brian Fennell) all gained notoriety while based in that city. On the other hand, Garvey resides in the UK. SYML explains:

  “I’ve been a fan of Guy and Elbow since their album ‘Cast of Thousands’ got stuck in my car’s CD player when I was in college. It would always come on glaringly loud whenever I started my car. I got to tell him this story when we were shooting the video for ‘Lost Myself’ and had a good laugh. Singing with Guy feels like having a good conversation over a pint. Familiar and warm."

Regarding his motivation for the collaboration, Garvey said:

  “I was hooked by Brian's emotionally fluent beautiful songwriting and very flattered to be asked to join him on this song. I also discovered that he’s a lovely bloke and a great laugh. Can’t wait until our next day out.”

 

     The two-word title signals the lyrical subject matter of “Lost Myself.” The melody and the solemn vocals reinforce the concern with the lack of self-awareness. But the song ends positively - “But I found myself walking home.” SMYL said, ““We have this awesome capability to be conscious and know what it is to be here”. That outlook helped him process the death of his adoptive father in 2021, as well as be there for his friends and family.

 

     Instrumentally, we most enjoy the brief guitar-driven bridge that arrives at 2:22. But the classical piano training of SYML also shines. He studied piano at university and became a self-taught producer, programmer, and guitarist.

 

     “Lost Myself” by SYML (featuring Guy Garvey)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SYMLMUSIC/
Website: https://www.symlmusic.com/

Lyrics of “Lost Myself” by SYML (featuring Guy Garvey)
Love is in the actions
Like a brace on a broken knee
Give me time and give me patience
That will be enough for me
 
Breaking through the clouds
Feels impossible now. O-o-oh
Breaking through the clouds
Feels impossible now. O-o-oh
 
I think I lost myself
Yeah, I lost myself
 
I wish I was truly free
Like a bird with no rent to pay
No phone and no last name
Yeah, who I'm meant to be
 
Breaking through the clouds
Feels impossible now. O-o-oh
Breaking through the clouds
Feels impossible now. O-o-oh
 
I think I lost myself
Yeah, I lost myself
 
Breaking through the clouds
Feels impossible now. O-o-oh
Breaking through the clouds
Feels impossible now. O-o-oh
 
But I found myself
Walking home

“Brothers In Arms” by Globus – A Song Feature

 

      There is no part of Globus that can be described as understated. They are socially and politically conscious, but even the occasional love song is powerful in its musical presentation. It is appropriate that Globus and its label identify with the genre “Epic Music.” Further evidence arrives with the October 14 release of the album “Cinematica” via Imperativa Records.

     “Brothers In Arms” sits among the 17 tracks on the Globus album. The song immediately removes any thought of subtlety, as it pulses with two forceful notes that are well-suited for the shout “Rise up” by either a festival crowd or a lone listener driving in a car. Still, it is only in the second half of “Brothers In Arms” that the descriptor “epic” is fully appreciated. The song was recorded in Prague with a live orchestra and choir.

 

     As noted on the Bandcamp site for the song, “’Brothers In Arms’ is a hard-hitting affirmation of the power that ordinary citizens can ultimately wield over their destiny in denying their oppressors… its universal theme carries a profound message today aimed at those brave resistance fighters in Ukraine,” as well as the population uprisings in Iran, Russia, India, and Chile. The song is crafted to be a powerful, cinematic anthem that can inspire a rise to greatness in all of us.

 

     Both Globus and its label, Imperativa Records, are driven by producer and composer Yoav Goren. “Brothers in Arms” also features Globus veterans Ryan Hanifl (vocals), Ariel Mann (guitars), Kfir Melamed (bass) and Gregg Bissonette (drums). The song weaves various influences into its fabric. For us, the most notable are Muse (vocals at 0:51) and 30 Seconds to Mars (the crescendo leading to the 3-minute mark). But other songs align favorably to Queen, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Hans Zimmer, and Electric Light Orchestra. Their sound has led to dozens of synch licenses in film (Spiderman, Harry Potter), television (Robot Chicken, Top Gear), and advertising (Spec Savers, Glenfiddich).

 

     “Brothers In Arms” by Globus

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/globusmusic/
Band website: https://www.globusmusic.com/
Label Website: https://www.imperativarecords.com/

     “You and I” by Globus – Another song on the upcoming album “Cinematica” (for contrast and appreciation)

Lyrics of “Brothers In Arms” by Globus
We started this revolution
To change the course of our existence
We break the lines
We face the fires
Our time has come
 
Good morning
You little criminals
Wake up to chaos and confusion
Your sky is black
Yellow and brown
You're upside down
 
Brothers in arms
The flames are lit
The battle's on
The tide is in, your test begins
The time for idle talk is gone
 
Armies of steel
We've got to fight for our new deal
We've got to choose what we can't lose
So we don't ever make the same mistakes again
 
Stand up now and seize the moment
You know that fear is the opponent
Your soul is freed, stand by your creed
You're made of steel
 
We started this revolution
To change the course of our existence
We break the lines, we face the fires
We're locking arms, hell bent
 
Brothers in arms
The flames are lit, the battle's on
Our time to live
Our time to give together
Every single moment
Cherish now
 
Armies of steel
We've got to fight for our new deal
We've got to choose what we can't lose forever
Never make the same mistakes again

“Oh Downhill” by Hazlett – A Song Feature

 

     There is a charismatic quality that travels through the song library of Hazlett. Today, it arrived at “Oh Downhill.” His voice caresses lyrics, even when the lyrics aren’t worthy of the tenderness. “Oh Downhill” is about the inability to attach the proper level of importance to a situation (such as a relationship) while you’re in the midst of that situation. The song is the title track of a 5-song collection that will be Side A when Hazlett releases his debut full-length album. 
 
     In talking about “Oh Downhill,” Hazlett insightfully said:
  “I don’t know what is ingrained in human nature that makes us run back to things that are bad for us, people that don’t like us or compare ourselves to strangers’ lives. When you look back after a moment like this happens, it’s so confusing. ‘Makes no sense why I cared about you.’ But in that moment it’s all you can care about and all you can focus on. This song is a little homage to this broken little world we are all trying to swim in.”
 
     Instrumentally, through most of “Oh Downhill” the vocals are accompanied by guitar warmth that leaves the listener with the decision of whether to respond by relaxing back or leaning in. There are surges of atmospheric contributions, but electronica is a focus only during the conclusion.
 
     Hazlett has connections with at least three continents. He is a native of Brisbane, Australia, his career flourished with the move to Stockholm, Sweden, and he has signed with Nettwerk Music Group, which was founded in Canada. Nettwerk is an increasingly influential independent record label. 
 
     “Oh Downhill” by Hazlett

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisishazlett/
Website: https://www.thisishazlett.com/

Lyrics of “Oh Downhill” by Hazlett
Second-hand smoking
I don’t even notice
Felt like sweater weather
Changing for the better
Honeymoon is over
I don’t wanna know this
Hate to feel the same
 
Feeling hard to care
When the moons in Aries now
Living in repair
Could the world just stare us down?
 
Oh downhill while I’m falling apart
On a late night drive when I’m scared of the dark
Makes no sense why I cared about you
 
The long nightmare that you don’t wanna end
When it fooled me once now I call it a friend
It makes no sense why I cared about you
 
Cared about you
Cared about you
 
Somewhere common sense is
Losing to the army
When they don’t stick together
I give in to my temper
But you broke my nose
And I’m the one to say “I’m sorry”
I don’t bleed the same
 
For every millionaire
Pulling empty stares now
Living in repair
What the neighbours care about
 
Oh downhill while I’m falling apart
On a late night drive when I’m scared of the dark
It makes no sense why I cared about you
 
The long nightmare that you don’t wanna end
When it fooled me once now I call it a friend
It makes no sense why I cared about you
 
Cared about you
Cared about you
 

Three Vocals-driven Singles

 

     The concert opportunities were suffocated during the COVID lockdown. But songwriting appears to have continued to breathe without difficulty. Musicians will often note in a song submission that the lockdown was the motivation for their music or provided the downtime to exercise their creativity. An example is Woodlock’s EP “Bermuda Sea.” The band explains that the EP was created during COVID while “battling with scheduling conflicts, and the theme across this EP is the feeling of overall yearning. The desire to travel to new places, meet new people, and realizing what’s missing once it’s taken from you.”

 

     The title song from the EP is described as a musical interpretation of what it’s like to be going through a quarter-life crisis. “It’s about feeling lost amongst your peers after listening to so much great music and struggling with the idea that we couldn’t measure up or stand out, it’s about being intimidated by the process of creation and the place we hold within the wider musical narrative. But the chorus is where we find our focus and says, “I refuse to give up and drown in it all.” It was a strange headspace but one that allowed us to understand we always have something to offer if we just give ourselves the chance.”

 

     Woodlock is a New Zealand and Australian-born trio comprising two brothers and their friend. They are Zech Walters (guitar, vocals), Eze Walters (guitar, vocals), and Bowen Purcell (drums).

 

     “Bermuda Sea” by Woodlock

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WoodlockMusic

Website: http://www.woodlock.com.au/

     The Brevet are based in Orange County in California. The members are Aric Damm (vocals, guitar), John Kingsley (guitar), and David Aguiar (drums). The Brevet’s alternative rock sound draws authentically from folk, surf, and R&B influence, but doesn’t shy away from thundering rhythms, blistering guitars and progressive synths.

     “Feels Like” by The Brevet

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBrevet/

Website: http://www.thebrevet.com/

     Researching The Invention of Flight is not an easy task. So, quoting their bio:

  The Invention of Flight pairs the organic elements of timeless folk with boundary pushing production, melodies that will lift you above the clouds as you take in every detail of the music.

 

     "All Summer" by The Invention of Flight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheInventionofFlight/

Eliza & The Delusionals – Concert Opportunities

 

     Eliza & The Delusionals have scheduled a rigorous U.S. tour in promotion of their album “Now And Then.” The tour schedule is included at the bottom of this post. For many of the visits, the Australian quartet will be with Silversun Pickups. Happily, among the stops are performances at the Fox Theater in Oakland and The Golden State Theater in Monterey.

 

     “Now And Then” includes 12 tracks, each with a strength that justifies an argument that it is the best of the collection. From our perspective, we can mount the most convincing argument for “Halloween.” The more Pop-ready “Give You Everything” is a single that will be well-received in a live setting. Both songs are embedded in this post.

 

     While talking about their tour, Eliza Klatt said:

  "I think excited is an understatement for how we feel about this upcoming tour. All we've been thinking about since we were last touring USA in 2020 is how badly we've wanted to come back, and we feel so grateful to be heading out around the country again with our friends Silversun Pickups, along with a few of our own shows. We love America, it holds such a special place in our hearts and our band so we can't wait to see everyone, and catch up with all of the fans we were supposed to see almost three years ago now! It feels like such a long time coming, but we're so excited for our dream to once again become a reality!”

 

     “Halloween” by Eliza & The Delusionals

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizaandthedelusionals/

Website: https://www.elizaandthedelusionals.com/

     “Give You Everything” by Eliza & The Delusionals

2022 U.S Tour Dates

Sep 17 - Pelham, NY @ Toonerville Music Fest

Sep 28 - San Diego, CA @ Observatory (w/ Silversun Pickups)

Sept 29 - Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues (w/ Silversun Pickups)

Oct 2 - Ventura, CA @ Ventura Theater (w/ Silversun Pickups)

Oct 3 - Los Angeles, CA @ Orpheum (w/ Silversun Pickups)

Oct 4 - Fresno @ Strummers (headline)

Oct 6 - Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater (w/ Silversun Pickups)

Oct 7 - Monterey, CA @ Golden State Theater (w/ Silversun Pickups)

Oct 8 - Stateline, NV @ Harrah's Lake Tahoe (w/ Silversun Pickups)

Oct 9 - Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spade (w/ Silversun Pickups)

Oct 26 - Denver, CO @ Lost Lake (headline)

Oct 27 - Kansas City, KS @ Record Bar (headline)

Oct 29 - Chicago, IL @ Subterranean (headline)

Oct 30 - Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop (headline)

Nov 1 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Black Forge (headline)

Nov 2 - Boston, MA @ House of Blues (w/ Silversun Pickups)

Nov 4 - Newhaven, CT @ College Street Music Hall (w/ Silversun Pickups)

Nov 4 - Montclair, NJ @ Wellmont Theater (w/ Silversun Pickups)

Nov 6 - New York, NY @ Webster Hall (w/ Silversun Pickups)

Nov 8 - Baltimore, MD @ Ramshead (w/ Silversun Pickups)

Nov 9 - Philadelphia, PA @ Fillmore (w/ Silversun Pickups)

Nov 10 - Richmond, VA @ Richmond Music Hall (headline)

Nov 11 - Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz (w/ Silversun Pickups)

Nov 12 - Charlotte, NC @ Fillmore (w/ Silversun Pickups)

Nov 14 - Orlando, FL @ House of Blues (w/ Silversun Pickups)

Nov 15 - Saint Petersburg, FL @ Janus Landing (w/ Silversun Pickups)

Nov 17 - Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre (w/ Silversun Pickups)

Nov 18 - Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Hall (w/ Silversun Pickups)

     Here is taste of the appeals of the personalities and the performances of Eliza & The Delusionals – “Just Exist (2019)

“Float & Land” by Broken Fires – A Song Feature

 

      With their release of “Float & Land,” Broken Fires again showcase their ability to create a cavernous habitat for sound that obeys the laws of gases – such that the sound expands seamlessly to fill the volume of the space. A listener’s decision to leave the habitat early is an error, since the band’s skills can be fully appreciated only by listening to the entirety of “Float & Land” and its many chambers. The start of the song is dominated by vocals and lower frequency instrumentation. It bears little resemblance to the chiming, cavernous sound during much of the final 90 seconds.

 

      Carrying the reference to physics only one step further, the song is about inertia. “Float & Land” addresses the courage needed to get out from under a difficult relationship. Singer and guitarist Tom Stephens explains “I wrote the lyrics about a friend who I could see was in a toxic relationship that was falling apart, but worrying too much about someone else’s feelings rather than doing what they wanted to. Lots of people I know been there! I just felt like telling them - don’t be afraid to tear it all down and start again, you only get one go! But I knew they wouldn’t listen, so I thought I’d write this to get out my frustration I guess.” By the end of the 4.5 minutes you might find yourself questioning your life choices, just don’t end your relationship before thinking it through… 

 

     Our favorite portion of “Float & Land” begins at 2:20, when the drums play a key role in the build to the clamorous final 90 seconds. The three members of Broken Fires are guitarists, so the drummer is not readily identifiable. While talking about putting the song together, guitarist Justin Hendy said, “This was one that came together really quickly. We were in a real sweet spot with our writing. Tom had this riff and it all went from there. We co-wrote the outro on the spot, layered it all up on the demo and then went to the pub listening to it on headphones dead excited. Good times!” 

 

     The band is from Swansea, UK, and is formed of Tom Stephens (lead vocals, guitar), Gareth Carter (guitar) and Justin Hendy (guitar). “Float & Land” will be on their full-length album, “HYMNS,” which is scheduled for release on October 28 via Phwoar and Peace, an increasingly significant independent record label. Phwoar and Peace is based in Cardiff, Wales.

 

     “Float & Land” by Broken Fires

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brokenfires

Website: https://brokenfires.com/

Bandcamp: https://brokenfires.bandcamp.com/

     “Midnight” by Broken Fires – A second song from the upcoming “HYMNS” album

Lyrics of “Float & Land” by Broken Fires

Promises of youth remain,

On the pavement in the rain.

So young and timeless.

A plan so mathematical,

Calculated rational.

Not so easy to follow.

 

What if everything you need splinters and breaks without a sound?

What if everything you know just disappears and flickers out?

And the ground on which you stand cracks now.

Will you float and land somewhere better this time?

 

Silver linings hideaway,

They drifted back to ground that day.

Where we couldn’t see them.

 

You’ve built a home,

Full of people to lean on,

Don’t be afraid to pull it down.

 

There’s no need,

To hold on,

Don’t spend your time missing anyone,

No need,

Just float on,

Land somewhere your better off this time.

“Unwired” by lotusbliss – A Song Feature

     After seven seconds of attention-piquing dissonance, “Unwired” announces its first strength – the guitars hold the power to carry the song from lotusbliss without any assistance. The twice-played descending guitar hook is powerful. Then, the lead vocals arrive to demonstrate that help is readily available. But it’s the combination of the voices that sets “Unwired” apart from singles of other Indie bands that feature stop-in-your tracks vocals, such as Nothing But Thieves. The three members of lotusbliss are brothers, providing the competitive advantage that often comes with sibling vocalists. The similarities of the sibling voices achieve a close vocal blend that is difficult for other bands, while the differences are great enough to provide an appealing contrast.

 

      The vocal abilities of lotusbliss are best appreciated at 2:38, when the instruments briefly step aside and leave the lead and backing vocals. The release notes for “Unwired” state that the song showcases the trios’ haunting harmonies soaring effortlessly over cinematic soundscapes. The lyrics of the single are included at the bottom of this post. The band explains, “It's about recognising that life is a gift and it's there to be embraced.”

 

     The members of lotusbliss are Seth, Josh, and Adam Gauto, who hail from Canterbury, UK. “Unwired” is one of five songs on their recently released EP, “An Aching Sea.” All five tracks are appealing. While talking about the EP, the band said:

"The overarching theme of the EP is becoming aware of your mind’s warring thoughts and exploring how these can be calmed in the everyday - how to fall into the aching sea. The artwork reflects this - with a suited character stood in a calm pond offering up a briefcase full of liquid gold. It’s unclear whether this is the serenity sought or the fool’s gold referenced in ‘Unwired’ being offered.”

 

     The official video of “Unwired” was recorded at Moseley Road Baths, Birmingham. The three brothers were joined by drummer Noah Smith.

 
     “Unwired” by lotusbliss

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lotusblissband
Website: https://www.lotusbliss.co.uk/

Lyrics of “Unwired” by lotusbliss

Find yourself unwired

Leave the glass skies and chemicals

Stand up and fall outside your mind

 

All the noise on hold

There’s a richness in being here

When each moment has a shelf-life

 

Living in a waking dream

We get caught up on the smallest things

Dissipate the haze and let it go

 

Don’t wanna hear you say

It’s not what I wanted

Why give up your heart so easily

It’s not what I wanted

Tell the thief to steal elsewhere

 

Find yourself undone

When you leap down the rabbit hole

You’ll need a different exit

 

Living in a waking dream

Stare down the barrel of an aching sea

Breaking in the calm ethereal light

 

Don’t wanna hear you say

It’s not what I wanted

Why give up your heart so easily

It’s not what I wanted

Tell the thief to steal elsewhere

Tell the thief to steal elsewhere

 

It’s not what I wanted

Why give up your heart so easily

It’s not what I wanted

Tell the thief to steal elsewhere

 

Swim out of the fool’s gold paradise

Swim out of the fool’s gold paradise

Swim out of the fool’s gold paradise

Swim out of the fool’s gold paradise