“Ain't The One” by VANILLA.6 – A Song Feature

 

      “Ain't The One” has the start of a synth-driven weather front that is warm but lyrically overcast. There is some accuracy to that early forecast. But when the guitar enters, the single from VANILLA.6 reveals its true identity - this is a multidimensional system in which components gust in and out of dominance. Thus, at the 46-second mark, the percussion begins its assertive push for some attention and, with some assistance, temporarily claims control after the chorus closes at 1:02.
 
     Still, the most appealing segment of “Ain't The One” awaits. At 2:49, the multidimensionality reaches the vocals. Although the lyrics become difficult to decipher (the lyrics are included in this post), the vocal dynamics are commanding and the production mastery deserves applause. The vocals have the feel of a call-and-response sequence, but call-and-echo sensibilities are probably a more accurate description.
 
     VANILLA.6 was established in Japan by ook-boy (composer/songwriter) in 2015. Based on “Ain’t The One,” it isn’t surprising that their sound is described as “New- Pop aesthetics with the mixture soundscape of New-Wave, Post-Punk, Shoegazer, 80’s/90’s Pops and the visual design of mode, new-wave, street presentation.”  A self-titled album was released in 2020 after being recorded as a Rock band. In comparison, the recently released 14-track album, "LAST DANCE," was produced in the UK, the new home for the band, as composer ook-boy's solo project. About the album:
  “[LAST DANCE] further deepens and expands the band's musical and lyrical worldview. Featuring eight new, high-energy tracks that bring to mind new elements of bass music, soul, and R&B, as well as complete reproductions of six of the band's signature tracks, including ‘90's Milan’ and ‘OWLS.’  This 14-track album is a fitting culmination of the band's history and evolution, marking their 10th anniversary. 
 
     “Ain't The One” by VANILLA.6

Bandcamp: https://vanilla-6.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanilla.6/
Album streaming: https://linkco.re/QSVpnCre?lang=en

Lyrics of “Ain't The One” by VANILLA.6
About to lose my mind for hallucinations
You dragged me with your lick into your bedroom, again
No way to get out of this obsession
Just gimme some more clue of your intentions
 
Or end me now
Can’t deal with love like you do
So end me now
Don’t take my fire for fun
I ain’t the one
 
About to lose my mind for hallucinations
You dragged me with your lick into your bedroom, again
No way to get out of this obsession
Just gimme some more clue of your intentions
 
Or end me now
Can’t deal with love like you do
So end me now
Don’t take my fire for fun
I ain’t the one
 
I ain’t the one
I ain’t the one
 
Shockwave of the scent you wear
Lip mark on the frosted lights
Drop your martini glass
You got me too high on you
 
Or end me now
Can’t deal with love like you do
So end me now
Don’t take my fire for fun
Already know that I ain’t the one

“Private” by The Neighbourhood – A Song Feature

 

     The vocals were recorded using a phone and the rhythmic sensibilities derive from a GarageBand drum break. This is not the typical formula for a song that grabs our attention. But “Private” first demands and then commands attention. It is a single from “(((((ultraSOUND))))),” the album from The Neighbourhood (released date is November 14). The song is about keeping a relationship private (the lyrics are at the bottom of this post).
 
     The Neighbourhood are a California-based alternative rock band comprised of Jesse Rutherford, Zach Abels, Brandon Fried, Jeremy Freeman, and Mikey Margott. Regarding the soon-to-be-released album, the press materials share:
   “Blending the raw energy of '90s alt-rock with a modern, introspective edge, ‘(((((ultraSOUND)))))’ signals a powerful return to the band's roots. Drawing inspiration from Brit-pop while maintaining their signature California Indie sound, the record weaves together delicate yet gritty vocals with a darker, moodier sonic palette. Elements of Grunge and Psychedelic textures add depth to a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly evolved. Lyrically, the album is intimate and self-aware, exploring heartbreak, disillusionment, and emotional vulnerability with a maturity that reflects the band's artistic growth.”
 
     “Private” by The Neighbourhood

Lyrics of “Private” by The Neighbourhood
You radiate, in shades of grey
Disintegrate, 'til it fades away
Not gonna change your mind when it's made
Bent out of shape, age
 
Keepin' it private
Uh-huh
Shh, keepin' it private
Uh-huh
Shh, keepin' it private
(Ultrasound)
Uh-huh
 
You've got a way, contagious in a room (room)
Hallucinate, when I'm dancin' with you (ooh)
All that it takes is a taste
And we'll know what we should do
Too soon to say, better behave
 
Shh, keepin' it private (ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah-ah)
Uh-huh (ah-ah, ah-ah-ah)
Shh, keepin' it private (ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah-ah)
Uh-huh (ah-ah, ah-ah-ah)
Shh, keepin' it private (ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah-ah)
Uh-huh (ah-ah, ah-ah-ah)
Shh, keepin' it private (ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah-ah)
Uh-huh (ah-ah, ah-ah-ah)
 
Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah-ah, ah-ah
Why does it feel like we're hiding?
Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah-ah, ah-ah
Why does it feel like we're hiding?
Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah-ah, ah-ah
Why does it feel like we're hiding?
Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah-ah, ah-ah
Why does it feel like we're hiding?

“HUNTER (the cacophony)” by Paris Paloma – A Song Feature

 

     No argument, we are partial to songs in which a choir provides backing vocals, as well as tracks with lyrical overlaps. Paris Paloma reimaged “hunter” from her 2024 album “Cacophany.” To distinguish the two versions, the title went from all lowercase letters to all caps. Musically, the difference is the contributions of the voices of 250 fans as support for the message of empowerment. Paloma did the same with the song “LABOUR (the cacophony),” a more polarizing single (similar to “Good Boy”). She does not shy away from voicing her perceptions.
 
    In talking about “HUNTER (the cacophony),” London-based Paris Paloma shared:
  “Once again it’s been so emotional to hear the voices of hundreds of fans coming together to join me on a new Cacophony version of this song, ‘Hunter’ is one of the most personal songs on the album, it’s a story of the internal triumph over darkness and pain at one of the most mentally turbulent times in my life. Seeing people relate to this song, to come out in force to sing it with me feels so powerful, and a testament to the strength of so many people who find my music resonates with them, it makes me feel so empowered and proud.”
 
     “HUNTER (the cacophony)” by Paris Paloma

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parispalomamusic/
Other Socials and Tour info: https://parispaloma.ffm.to/links

Lyrics of “HUNTER (the cacophony)” by Paris Paloma
Ahhhh ahh ah ah
Ahhhh ahh ah ah
 
If I was easy to kill, you would have done it already
 
What was it that stayed my hand then?
With dagger held unsheathed
Blade pointing in its side
I’d been set upon by a predator
It was just looking for a meal
I saw ribs and fearful eyes
 
What is it that stays my hand now?
With so much misery
That I could mercifully put end to
For that animal I let slink off
Into the undergrowth, unscathed
Do I not fear death, but just pretend to?
 
For it was starving
It was hungry
But had eyes too close to let me
If you were easy to kill, I would have done it already
 
Ahhhh ahh ah ah
Ahhhh ahh ah ah
 
Plagued by phantom noises
That that skeletal beast
Was haunting all my steps
 
Questioning all my choices
With that dagger held unsheathed
I felt sick at my contempt
 
For you were lonely
You were like me
Like some outside force had sent me
If I was easy to kill, you would have done it already
 
Ahhhh ahh ah ah
Ahhhh ahh ah ah
Ahhhh ahh ah ah
Ahhhh ahh ah ah
 
(If I was easy to kill, you would have done it already)
You are at my feet and we’re by the fire
(If I was easy to kill, you would have done it already)
You’re a gentle beast and I’m alive
(If I was easy to kill, you would have done it already)
You are at my feet and we’re by the fire
(If I was easy to kill, you would have done it already)
You’re a gentle, purring beast and I’m alive
(If I was easy to kill, you would have done it already)
You are at my feet and we’re by the fire
(If I was easy to kill, you would have done it already)
You’re a healthy, gentle, purring beast and I’m alive
(If I was easy to kill, you would have done it already)
You are at my feet and we’re by the fire
(If I was easy to kill, you would have done it already)
You’re a healthy, gentle, purring beast and I’m alive
 
Ahhhh ahh ah ah
Ahhhh ahh ah ah
Ahhhh ahh ah ah
Ahhhh ahh ah ah
 
If you were easy to kill, I would have done it already