Friday, June 12, 2026

“Bring All Your Lovers” by The Essence of The Universe

 

      “Bring All Your Lovers” is instrumentally anchored by an entrancing guitar riff that remains compelling through repeated listens. But the power percussion also deserves attention. At the start of the first verse, the drumming merely maintains a commanding pulse, allowing the guitar to flourish. Then, prior to the beginning of the second verse (around 0:42), the pulsing takes on an increased complexity in an engaging rhythm. Punctuating the arrangement is a striking synth interlude between the two verses, its otherworldly sweep mirroring an alien-ship invasion.
 
     Still, the contrasting vocal dynamics serve as the song’s most defining feature. As the single from The Essence of The Universe progresses, so do the vocal deliveries. The chorus features multiple vocal tracks. And a highlight is a near-tribal anguish at 2:17. The Essence of The Universe is the Swedish duo of Daniel di Porto Rosa and Nic Nikita. Quoting the Bandcamp site for “Bring All Your Lovers:”
  “At times, Daniel di Porto Rosa’s vocal delivery turns feral, sharp, confrontational and unhinged. Moments later it dissolves into a stoned, hallucinatory calm, as if observing the collapse of reality from somewhere far above it. The result is both primal and surreal; a chant for the end of the world where the only response left is simple:  Bring all your lovers.” 

     The content on Bandcamp is interesting and insightful:
  “’Bring All Your Lovers’ is a raw, hypnotic blast of psychedelic rock moving between aggression and intoxicated haze. Driven by pounding repetition and mantra-like lyrics, the song collides images of media spectacle, violence, spiritual paradox and cosmic fire.
  One half of The Essence of The Universe, Nic Nikita, has described Daniel di Porto Rosa as “the man with a thousand voices.” Daniel, in turn, considers Nic Nikita’s dangerous synthesizer work on ‘Bring All Your Lovers’ to be as essential to the song’s atmosphere as Angelo Badalamenti’s music was to Twin Peaks.” 
 
     “Bring All Your Lovers” by The Essence of The Universe


Lyrics of “Bring All Your Lovers” by The Essence of The Universe
And the talkshow’s in the sun
Machine gun
And the world is losing touch
Machine gun
The fire’s in the sun
The fire’s in the sun
 
And the lie is true inside
Machine gun
And the truth is just a lie
Machine gun
The fire’s in the sun
 
Bring all your lovers
Hey hey hey
Beautiful time
Beautiful whine
Bring all your lovers
Hey hey hey
Beautiful time
Beautiful whine
Bring all your lovers
 
And the father of the son
Machine gun
Makes a wish to everyone
Bring your machine guns
The fire’s in the sun
 
Bring all your lovers
Hey hey hey
Beautiful time
Beautiful whine
Bring all your lovers
Hey hey hey
Beautiful time
Beautiful whine
Bring all your lovers
 
And the talkshow’s said and done
Machine gun
And The Wire is not that fun
Machine gun
The fire’s in the sun
 
Bring all your lovers
Hey hey hey
Beautiful time
Beautiful whine
Bring all your lovers
Hey hey hey
Beautiful time
Beautiful whine
Bring all your lovers
 
Who was I to find the one
Who was I to find the one
Who was I to find the one
Who was I to find the one
Who was I to find the one
Who was I to find the one
 

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

“When Will The Eyes Ignite” by Legacy Of Lovers

 

     The instruments, particularly the propulsive guitar drive, radiate urgency and forward momentum. Against that backdrop of immediacy, the recurring refrain - “It’s keeping me alive / Keeps me running,  Keeps me running” - becomes a declaration of purpose and motivation. Still, at times the lyrics take a “they” verses “we” approach. “They say” that we’re an easy target, that we are out of control, and that we are lost and broken. To each of these, there is a brief “show me” response voiced in shifted vocal processing. Legacy of Lovers tells us:
  When Will The Eyes Ignite‘ is a worldwide ignition for those who have felt dimmed for too long. It's about rediscovering our inner light, embracing our unique gifts, and realizing that no two people are meant to shine the same. Yet beneath it all, we share the same sky.”
 
     Legacy of Lovers is the musical project of Canadian Ryne D. Trevlon from Kirkland Lake, Ontario. After reaching rock bottom from his struggles with addiction, a telephone call gave Trevlon direction. Specifically, his friend and mentor Gary Taylor told him: "Record something that makes you content—and don't give us any of that cookie-cutter BS." Proving that musical creativity is not synonymous with technological complexity, Trevlon recorded his debut album, “Calm Cool Connections,” in the simplest, most unfiltered way possible—with an iPhone 7 and GarageBand. Both the singing and the guitar were captured through the earbud mic, preserving every sound exactly as it happened. Additional instruments and textures were shaped by performing directly on GarageBand.
 
     The extended title of his song is “When Will The Eyes Ignite {It’s Time For The Stars To Prize},” which is a combination of two heavy-reverberated lines from the verse that begins around 2:22. The 18 tracks on the debut album are available at the Bandcamp site of Legacy of Lovers - https://legacyoflovers.bandcamp.com/.
 
     When Will The Eyes Ignite” by Legacy Of Lovers



Lyrics of “When Will The Eyes Ignite” by Legacy Of Lovers
They say we're an easy target
(Show me your gun, show me your gun)
They say we are out of control
(Show me the way, show me the way)
 
It's time to let you go
It's been far too long
You're like a cold stone dragon eating at my heart
A world to call my own, like a fantasy
Unlike anything I have ever known
 
Been calling for some time
Feel it by my side
It's keeping me alive
Keeps me running
Keeps me running
 
Star shadows are aligned
Fire burns inside
It's keeping me alive
Keeps me running, keeps me running
 
They say we are lost and broken
(Show me the goal, show me the goal)
We say we will never stand down
(Show me the wave, show me the wave)
 
It's time to let you go
It's been far too long
You're like a cold stone dragon eating at my heart
A world to call my own, like a fantasy
Unlike anything I have ever known
 
Been calling for some time
Feel it by my side
It's keeping me alive
Keeps me running
Keeps me running
 
Star shadows are aligned
Fire burns inside
It's keeping me alive
Keeps me running, keeps me running
 
(Show me the way, Show the love)
{When will the eyes ignite}
(Show me the way, Show me the love)
{It's time for the stars to prize}
(Show me the way, Show me the love)
 
Been calling for some time
Feel it by my side
It's keeping me alive
Keeps me running
Keeps me running
 
Star shadows are aligned
Fire burns inside
It's keeping me alive
Keeps me running, keeps me running

Friday, June 5, 2026

“I Don't Bend” by Stale Jan

 

     The lyrical structure of the anthemic “I Don’t Bend” adds power to the message. The verses pose the conditions, taking an “if”…”and” approach. For example “If you can stand when the mob shouts ‘Kneel’ / And bite your tongue but never yield.” The verses present eight such sets of conditions, each requiring atypical courage and internal strength. In comparison, the chorus defies conditions, taking an “Even if” approach. Thus, if you are a person who meets the conditions presented in the verses, then the outcome is apparent, regardless of the circumstances:
Even if they hunt you
Even if they brand you
Even when the wolves all circle and surround you
You’ll rise, you’ll burn, you’ll spit their script back clean
Stay unseen
Even if
 
     Instrumentally, “I Don't Bend” shifts among intensities to enhance the emotion. The song builds intensity for the initial 1:08, then resets in preparation for the second verse. Guitar and power percussion drive the spirit of the single, with the highlight coming in the form of percussion punch at 2:27.
 
     Stale Jan is based in Oslo, Norway. His different collabs, named or sometimes anonymous - due to legal requirements from their labels - are carefully selected to fit the tracks. The Bandcamp site says about his single:
  I Don’t Bend” is a defiant modern rock anthem for anyone who refuses to bow to pressure, noise, or control. With razor-sharp lyrics and a driving, high-voltage sound, Stale Jan delivers a fearless stand against manipulation, mob mentality, and manufactured truth. For the unheard. The unowned. The unbreakable.”
 
     Regarding the artwork, he continues:
  The Venus de Milo is generally understood as a symbol of ideal beauty, feminine grace, and timeless classical perfection — but its meaning runs deeper than that. Despite missing arms, the Venus of Milo stands upright, appears relaxed and carries a neutral, composed expression. There is no drama in the pose, no strain, no visible emotion. That calmness became symbolic of controlled strength, beauty that does not react or bend.”
 
     I Don't Bend” by Stale Jan


Lyrics of “I Don't Bend” by Stale Jan
[Verse 1]
If you can keep your pulse when the headlines bleed
And smell the fear dressed up as creed
If you can stand when the mob shouts “kneel”
And bite your tongue but never yield
 
If you can breathe through a poisoned feed
Where truth is taxed and lies are freed
If you can walk through a bought-out court
And not sell your soul for their applause and sport
 
[Chorus]
Even if they hunt you
Even if they brand you
Even when the wolves all circle and surround you
You’ll rise, you’ll burn, you’ll spit their script back clean
Stay unseen
Even if
 
[Verse 2]
If you can build while they blacklist names
And light small fires in frozen veins
If you can laugh when they rig the vote
And cut the rope but still stay afloat
 
If you can speak when your mic goes dead
And plant hard truth where they spread soft dread
If you can lose every crown they give
But keep the nerve to live unowned, and live
 
[Chorus]
Even if they hunt you
Even if they brand you
Even when the wolves all circle and surround you
You’ll rise, you’ll burn, you’ll turn their fear to steam
Stay «extreme»
Even if
 
[Bridge]
Let them choke on the smoke they made
Let them drown in the mess they stage
No chain, no cage, no silent plea
You don’t own the night in me.
 
[Outro]
Even if the sky falls in,
I don’t bend. I don’t bend.
Even if the sky falls in,
I don’t bend. I don’t bend.

     We are also fans of the politically charged “When You Slip.” The Bandcamp site for the song explains:
  “This song blends modern pop sensibilities with a dark, political edge. The lyrics tell the story of someone drunk on power, surrounded by enablers, and blind to their own downfall, mirroring the pitfalls of unchecked authority in today’s world.”
 
     “When You Slip by Stale Jan

Lyrics of “When You Slip” by Stale Jan
[Verse 1]
Started with a whisper, then it grew to a scream,
Hands full of lightning, head full of dreams.
They called it a blessing, I called it a curse,
Now the whole damn world fits in my verse.
 
[Pre-Chorus]
Yes-men in the shadows, nodding at my name,
Mirrors only show me what I wanna see these days.
Build me up so tall, I forget the ground,
Now the sky’s the limit—but I’m tearing it down.
 
[Chorus]
I’m the king of echoes, hearing what I like,
Truth is just a stranger, lost in my own light.
Every word I speak comes back twice as sweet,
Even when the fire’s burning at my feet.
 
[Verse 2]
Fingers on the buttons, got the world in my hand,
One wrong turn and it all turns to sand.
Laughing at the warnings, wearing blinders of gold,
Funny how the mighty never do what they’re told.
 
[Pre-Chorus]
Spin the wheel faster, who’s gonna fall?
Silence is treason, I don’t hear them at all.
Dancing on the edge of a self-made throne,
But the cracks in the foundation start to groan.
 
[Chorus]
I’m the king of echoes, hearing what I like,
Truth is just a stranger, lost in my own light.
Every word I speak comes back twice as sweet,
Even when the fire’s burning at my feet.
 
[Bridge]
Oh, the higher you climb…
The harder the crash when you slip.
Oh, the wider the lie…
The harder the world will rip.
 
[Outro]
Now the walls are talking, whispering my name,
But the voices sound different, less praise, more blame.
Maybe power’s poison, maybe love’s a lie,
Or maybe I’m just the last one to die.

Thursday, June 4, 2026

“i used to live in england” by supermodel*

 

     The vocal delivery is deadpan, while the lyrics delivery sharp cultural observations. The dry-yet-high-impact lyrics are included at the bottom of this post. supermodel* is the project of artist and producer Frankie Beanie, who used to live in England. He is originally from Virginia, but moved to Liverpool at age 18. In 2024, he relocated to Los Angeles.
 
     The project is driven by 5 rules:
  1. don't try and be "cool"
  2. steal everything
  3. all lowercase, always
  4. don't overthink shit
  5. always talk about fight club

     Beanie says:
  The rules are there to stop me from making boring shit. supermodel* has to feel stolen, stupid, instinctive and raw – like it’s breaking its own logic. a reminder not to take it too serious and just make the best shit possible. the lowercase thing is just cause it looks better. i just decided i wasn’t going to compromise anymore. i wasn’t going to hide behind some “cool guy” aesthetic or act like i don’t give a fuck about my art when i obviously do. make the best shit possible and put it in lowercase. that’s supermodel*"
 
      “i used to live in england” by supermodel*

Lyrics of “i used to live in england” by supermodel*
I used to live in England
I used to shop at Tesco’s and buy meal deals
And I used to say “Go Tesco’s” instead of “Go to Tesco’s”
I used to spend late nights at Spoons
Only the good ones
 
I used to live in England
I used to go to the Jacaranda and
Watch shitty bands that wanted to be
Oasis
And I used to wish I had a bunch of rings like them
So then I bought a bunch of rings and I felt like a poser
In an Urban Outfitters hoodie
 
I used to live in England
And for one summer I got super into garage music
So now I can be the guy in LA that says “GARage” instead of “garAGE”
Even though I still have tеrrible taste in garage
Causе it was just one summer
 
I used to live in England
And I was signed to the same label that put out Skepta
Except when I first signed I didn’t know who that was
And I just pretended
Everyone around me told me it was cool so I was like “Oh it must be
Cool”
And I guess it was
 
I used to live in England
I used to say “cheers” whenever I went anywhere
But now when I hear an American say “cheers” I think that’s fucking
Weird
The worst is when they say “mate”
I never did that
Not once
 
I used to live in England
And everyone would always ask me
“How’s London?”
Even though I didn’t live in London
I never understood that
Geography's not that hard
Just look at a map
Sometimes Americans are dumb
Bells
 
I used to live in England
No really
I used to live there
I used to take the train from Liverpool to London
For like 65 pounds
It was great
 
I used to live in England
And apparently Ross from The 1975 liked my band
But I don’t know if that’s true
I never met him
Maybe it was
Who knows
Let’s go with it
 
I used to live in England
And Ross from The 1975 said my band was the best band he’d ever
Heard in his entire life
And I was like
Ross man
Your band is pretty good too
I like that one song
 
I used to live in England
I used to live in England
Then I moved to Los Angeles
I was doing like a opposites thing
I don’t know
 
Dance

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Finding Melody in the Broken

      This post features songs from bands that include the term “Broken” in their band names.
     Broken Back is based in Saint Malo, France. Broken Back is the performance name of Jérôme Fagnet, a singer and songwriter perhaps most aligned with the Folktronica genre.

     "Wind Says Low" by Broken Back
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrokenBackMusic 

Lyrics of "Wind Says Low" by Broken Back
Morning breaks, the road's long
Shadows stretch where I belong
Every turn hide the sun
I take a step, but I come undone
 
Map is torn, the trail's gray
Miles weigh like damn stones
Dreams I held drift away
Oh God I am tired to walk alone
Oh yes I am tired to walk alone
 
But wind says low: carry on
Night is slow, but it's not gone
I may bend, I may fall
But still the path will find it all
Yeah still the path will find it all
 
Heading on my way
But Moon hide its face
Still I move, come what may
Cause I know light waits in some place
 
Map is torn, the trail's gray
Miles weigh like damn stones
Dreams I held drift away
Oh God I am tired to walk alone
Oh yes I am tired to walk alone
 
But wind says low: carry on
Night is slow, but it's not gone
I may bend, I may fall
But still the path will find it all
Yeah still the path will find it all

     Broken Social Scene is a Canadian (Toronto) indie rock band, a musical collective including as few as six and as many as nineteen members. The credits for the recently released single “The Call” identify:
   Andrew Whiteman - Vocals, Organelle, Trez
   Jill Harris - vocals
   David Newfeld - bass, electric guitar, drum machine
   Justin Peroff - drums
   Evan Cranley- trombone, percussion
   David French - sax
   Rachel McLean - percussion, hand claps
   Charles Spearin - synth, trumpet
 
     The Call” by Broken Social Scene

Lyrics of “The Call” by Broken Social Scene
I doubted I was alive
dreaming only
she said to not just describe but
be something holy
I read the verse in her eyes
It’s real experimental
It’s on a different level
she’s my favourite rebel
I heard my name
I held my breath
Glistening sweat on the back of my neck
keep up! keep up!
Because we are what we are stripped down to
elemental scar that needs you, feeds you
Forget the mind, the body’s wearing thin
your bones and your skin
and you must follow them
I heard my name
I held my breath
Glistening sweat on the back of my neck
Let me hear the call
“We’re going!”
Either restless or reborn, we’re going
 
She’s my favourite rebel
she’s holy and austere
something about the claim of the breath that
glistens like sweat on the back of my neck.
     The Broken View, is an independent alternative rock band originating in Saratoga Springs, NY. The band was formed in 2018 by singer/song-writer Austin Kranick and drummer/producer Tyler Hayes. The two quickly bonded over their shared love for intricate songwriting and  lyricism while working together on Austin’s solo project at the time
 
     Nobody Knows (Who She Is)” by The Broken View

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

     I Want To Hold You (Forever) by The Broken View

Lyrics of “Nobody Knows (Who She Is)” by The Broken View
Poor man
He's changed his ways
Poor man
Makes you wonder what went astray
 
Got a new girl
She weighs heavy on his mind
Yeah, he'll swap the button up for leather
And only small talk about the weather
 
She's got a hold on him
Tighter than a noose
Whispering pretty little evil thoughts
He's feeding a love that will eat him alive
And who she is, nobody knows
 
She comes in, dressed in burning red
No one dares to meet the eyes
Fear she'll take thеm with him to the end
The violеnce he feels
In silence is surreal
You know he'll love her till the end
 
She's got a hold on him
Tighter than a noose
Whispering pretty little evil thoughts
He's feeding a love that will eat him alive
And who she is, nobody knows
 
She's got a hold on him
She's got a hold on him
She's got a hold on him
Tighter than a noose
Who she is, nobody knows

     Broken Chanter is a project based in Glasgow, UK. The project is spearheaded by David MacGregor, but he typically recruits talented musicians.
 
     “Shake It To Bits” by Broken Chanter

Website: https://www.brokenchanter.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrokenChanter/

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

“18th Floor Balcony” by Blue October

 

     A band’s “sound” is sometimes characterized by a specific instrument, such as the jangly 12-string guitar of early releases from The Byrds. Other times, the “sound” is based on a distinctive framework, such as the minimalist Bluesy Garage Rock of The White Stripes. For Blue October, their songs have wide-ranging musical styles and lyrical messaging, but the unifying energy lies in the charismatic, deeply emotional vocal deliveries.
 
Blue October at The Fillmore
in San Francisco 2017
     Blue October’s 2006 album “Foiled” exemplifies the diversity. In celebration of the twenty-year anniversary, the band is sharing videos of selected songs, releasing the first-ever vinyl of the album, and touring in Europe and then North America. Scheduled visits include San Francisco and Sacramento. The full schedule of the FOILED tour is available at https://www.blueoctober.com/tour-dates.
 
      Hate Me” showcases the 2006 album. The song is an admission of drug addiction and depression, as well as an urging to “hate me so you can finally see what’s good for you.” The song begins with an actual voicemail from the mother of frontman Justin Furstenfeld. She expresses concern in her voicemail as to whether Justin has been taking his medications.
 
Blue October at Mountain 
Winery 2024
     Blue October recently shared a new video for “18th Floor Balcony,” which is also from the “Foiled” album. In contrast to “Hate Me,” the song is about vulnerability, trust, and that rare moment of finally feeling safe enough with someone to open up. Yet, the video is dark and open to interpretation, perhaps because fans of Blue October understand and embrace pain that is part of appreciating the emotional experiences relating to the band's music. The video shows Justin watching himself from afar while he creates, then investigates, and finally sanitizes and mourns a murder of a loved one – as if witnessing relationship destruction caused by your dependence on drugs.  
 
     In March, the band shared a new music video for "Congratulations" which kicked off the anniversary year. That video is also included in this post.

     18th Floor Balcony” by Blue October

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueoctober
Website: http://www.blueoctober.com/
 
Lyrics of “18th Floor Balcony” by Blue October
I close my eyes
And I smile, knowing that everything is alright
To the core, so close that door
Is this happening?
 
My breath is on your hair, I'm unaware
That you opened the blinds and let the city in
God, you held my hand
And we stand
Just taking in everything
 
And I knew it from the start
So my arms are open wide
Your head is on my stomach
And we're, we're trying so hard not to fall asleep
Here we are
On this 18th floor balcony
We're both, flying away
 
So we talked about mom's and dad's
About family pasts
Just getting to know where we came from
Our hearts were on display
For all to see
I can't believe this is happening to me
 
And I raised my hand as if to show you that I was yours
That I was so yours for the taking
I'm so yours for the taking
That's when I felt the wind pick up
I grabbed the rail while choking up
These words to say and then you kissed me
 
I knew it from the start
My arms are open wide
Your head is on my stomach
And we're, we're trying so hard not to fall asleep
Here we are
On this 18th floor balcony
We're both, flying away
 
And I'll try to sleep
To keep you in my dreams
'Til I can bring you home with me
I'll try to sleep
And when I do I'll keep you in my, dreams
 
I knew it from the start
So my arms are open wide
And your head is on my stomach
And we're, we're trying so hard not to fall asleep
So here we are
On this 18th floor balcony, yeah
 
I knew it from the start
So my arms are open wide
And your head is on my stomach
No, we're not going to sleep, sleep
 
Here we are
On this 18th floor balcony, we're both
Flying away
 
     “18th Floor Balcony” by Blue October



Saturday, May 9, 2026

“Honeypot” by Lethal Sister


     The Paris-based band Lethal Sister shared their song about the society-generated seductive pull of status and riches. Radio, television, newspapers, and even your personal laptop present a trap fashioned to pressure people to pursue wealth and power. That is, they present a “Honeypot.” As stated in the lyrics, “They all say the same shit / About things you need to get /It’s just a honeypot.”
 
      The song blends Rock and Post-Punk sensibilities into an energetically aggressive melodic fabric with an emphasis on tension. The gritty guitars present a steady rhythm almost throughout “Honeypot.
 
     Lethal Sister recently released the nine-track song album “Plunge,” which is available at their Bandcamp site https://lethalsister.bandcamp.com/album/plunge. The members of the band are Vincent Dangla (drums), Lubin Lemonnier (bass, vocals), Pierre Massé (guitar, vocals), and Martin Teychené (guitar, vocals). Their bio states:
  Lethal Sister is a rock band built on a love of post-punk and stoner rock. Initially formed for a concert, this project is now our outlet, our window, our refuge. “Everyone puts a piece of their soul into it. The world is as beautiful as it is disgusting, life is as magnificent as it is insane, I still need to shout it out.”
 
     Honeypot” by Lethal Sister

Lyrics of “Honeypot” by Lethal Sister
When you’re poor it ain’t funny,
I see my mother’s face
She told us we could get honey
But I'm sitting in front of a plate that doesn’t look tasty, sorry…
 
When you’re rich you ain’t lucid,
You have to crush your own brother,
They told us we could have power
But now I have no one to call except the guy who takes care of my money
 
On the magazine
On the radio
On the TV screen
On your personal laptop
 
When you read the newspaper
When they sell you happiness
When they tell you to work hard
When they smile at you
 
They all say the same shit
About things you need to get
It’s just a honeypot
 
Being alive makes no sense
I heard that from a cousin
Sometime I feel like I need to change
Sometime my eyes are caught by a screen I just can’t stop watching
It changes as I’m scrolling
I just can’t stop watching
It changes as I’m scrolling
 
I could have no face, it wouldn’t change
I could forget how to smile and greet
I could become invisible
The zombies never pay attention…
 
To the magazine
To the radio
To the TV screen
To their personal laptop
 
They all say the same shit
About the things they need to get
It’s just a honeypot
 
Money!
Or people…
Money!
Or people