Music

I accidentally saved that image as “Violate Street.” Not a commentary on the album, I just thought it was funny.

I had only heard “When Am I Gonna Lose You” via Life is Strange: True Colors, so I was excited to delve into the rest of the record.

The album opens with “Vogue”, a delightful introduction into “When Am I Gonna Lose You.” I love that I’m talking like I actually know what I’m talking about, which is an exciting change of pace for me.

But I digress.

“When Am I Gonna Lose You” is a song that hurts my feelings in all the right ways. I think it speaks to my own anxieties and general relationships. Like…when AM I gonna lose you? The answer is probably right now. *cue pathetic finger guns*

“Cafe Amarillo” has a vibe. I can’t quite place my finger on that vibe, but I feel like I need a pack of Marlboros and a leather jacket to fit the vibe that I’ve picked up on.

“Munich II” is just pianos and humming and like 48 seconds. It gives my heart the warm and fuzzies, and we like when things give my heart the warm and fuzzies, right?

I listened to “Megaton Mile” the other day, actually, and again right now as I write this post. The bass line in it is nice and tasty. It’s got a really catchy chorus to it, and as someone who doesn’t dance, I do feel like boogie-ing just a little. Only a little, though. Don’t get crazy.

I’m pretty confident I have never heard “Someday Now” before, but it also feels like a song I’ve heard before. The general consensus I’m gathering on this record is who hurt you.

“Shy” has a vibe also. But it’s less Marlboros and leather and more Marlboros and waffles. You can ask what any of that means, I don’t know. I like the line “Shy under the weight of design – afraid and able.” Because hi, that’s me.

I’m genuinely sad I have only three songs left on this record. “Garden of Elysian” slows things down a bit, and I can smell the late night coffee shop / soft music venue as I listen to it. I promise it doesn’t smell like Marlboros, but I think I’ll keep the fantasy leather jacket on. It’s cold outside and I’m warm. There’s a lot of imagery in this song that I can appreciate. “Love isn’t worship, love is change.” I need you to lower your voice, Local Natives.

Have you read this far? I appreciate you, dear reader. We’re on to “Gulf Shores” now. Which, Gulf Shores is in Alabama, and I used to visit there as a child. Though, I don’t think Local Natives meant that Gulf Shores when they wrote this song. This would make a good road trip tune, I think. Or the background sound while browsing records at a record shop.

I think I expected “Tap Dancer” to include tap dancers, and 25 seconds into this song I am immediately disappointed. Another close personal attack with “Everything was easier before”. How dare you, Local Natives.

“Max, are you okay?” No.

But I will be.

Overall, I really enjoyed Violet Street. It scratched an itch I was looking to be scratched. The music is nice and chill, and I could see myself putting this one on just to unwind, despite the aspects of the songs that speak to the pained parts of my soul. If only to write this post, I’m glad I finally took the time to give Local Natives the ol’ college try.