I can’t believe the weekend is already over and a new week has started again. Can you believe that? Feels like time is just flying past, right? Which I guess is kind of a bad and a good thing, as it means that I’ll be home for the christmas break in the blink of an eye. But it also means that my time here is passing by real fast and I can tell you, it’s such an amazing time that I don’t even want that to happen.
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Which is also what I want to tell you all about today. Actually, I was just working my way through possible ideas for my this post right here and kind of remembered that it’s been quite some time since I just talked a bit to you guys and told you about all the stuff that’s happening in my life here in Brighton. Which I why I decided that it’s time to change that. So, get ready and buckle up for some babbling.
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As always, let’s start with the most exciting part – my life here in Brighton. It won’t surprise you that, honestly, uni has just been amazing so far. Guys, I just love it so so so much. Maybe it’s because I already have a degree in journalism, as it means that I get to actually chill and listen in class, as I’ve already heard about most of the stuff we’re talking about. But it’s just so nice to simply sit there and soak it all up. All the music related stuff I’ve never heard about. It feels like I’m refining my own knowledge and also possible career path right now. And it’s so cool that my course is as practical as it is, because I get to actually do and write stuff and not just sit around and write down facts I’ll probably never need again in my entire life. Which, speaking of that practical, is also a quite big deal for me right now, as I may or may not have an interview scheduled for this week. Saying that I’m overly nervous and excited at the same time would be such an understatement. I’ve basically been at the edge of my seat the past few days.
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Also, music-wise, I can’t wait for 2019 to come flashing around the corner. Honestly. I’ve already got so many concerts planned. Hippo Campus in February, Saint Raymond, Tom Rosenthal (which I still can’t get my head around) and Twenty One Pilots in March, Ed in June and again in August. I may have actually forgotten a few right there. It’s just so so crazy. And I can’t wait, seriously. Just one of those perks when you live in the UK – every single band comes here. Every. Single. One. This is like heaven, no joke. My personal heaven.
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And last but not least, there’s one other thing that’s quite new in my life. Believe it or not, but I actually started doing yoga. Can you believe it? Me? Doing yoga? Sounds like something out of this world, doesn’t it? But I guess I just felt like I had to incorporate a bit more exercise into my daily routine, as the typical English weather has just full on hit us now and it’s basically either windy or rainy or plain both. At home I usually stick to the indoor-cycle as soon as it’s getting cold out, but as I don’t have one here in Brighton I had to find something else. Something cheap and easy, preferably. So I just thought about trying yoga and so far I’ve really enjoyed it. I love how it really calms my mind down and makes me focus on myself and my body. Which is just what I need right now. I’ve actually just started this 30 day yoga challenge on YouTube, which is amazing, so if you want to check that out too, here’s the link.
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And yeah, I think that’s it. So far, my time here in Brighton has been the best it could’ve possibly been and I’m so excited for everything that’s still to come. If you guys want to know anything or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to drop me a message. And that’s all I’ve got. But how about you guys? What’s going on in your life? Please don’t hesitate to share your stories. And yeah, I hope you’re all feeling well and wish you a nice week. And, as always, thanks for reading. x
And welcome back to a new session of our all time favorite series – the beloved New Music Friday. I mean, at least I hope you all love it. I do (hehe). And guys, you seriously have no idea what’s coming at you right now. Buckle up and getting ready, because this is gonna be a hell of a ride.
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I know it’s been quite some time since the last edition of New Music Friday, which also means that tons of new music have just been waiting for me to work and listen my through them. And oh wow, to say it was quite an experience would be such an understatement. It always makes me so so so grateful for you guys and this blog, because I actually get to share my passion and love for music with the world. I’m already spending my life doing what I love the most and I’m so thankful for that. And if I get to listen to such amazing music on top of that, then that’s just the little red cherry on top. But I know you want me to stop babbling now and just get to it, so, without further ado, let’s jump right into it, shall we?
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Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
If you’ve read my recent postings, you’ll know that I’ve just had the honor of seeing this Scottish lad perform live, which was such a beautiful experience. And now, just a few days after the concert, Lewis has once again decided to bless all of our ears by releasing another EP and with it releasing this gem right here. Again, it’s one of those songs that just make your heart break and your breathing stop for a second, but in the best possible way. It’s raw and honest and sad and melodic and so so soft. Honestly, I just adore Lewis’ music so much, I can’t help myself. I mean, listen to it. How breathtaking is this?
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You Know Me Too Well – Nothing But Thieves
You guys know that I’ve been in love with these guys for quite some time now, so it probably won’t be a surprise to you to hear that I freaked out a bit when I saw that they had released a new EP. And if that wasn’t enough, the EP featured this piece of musical heaven that I can’t get enough of. For me, especially this one track is a completely new sound for them and I’m so up for it. It’s refined and soulful and the rhythm just completely draws you into it within the very first second. Also, can we please take a moment to appreciate Conor’s voice? God, it’s so amazing. Well one, guys, well freaking done.
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Love – Imagine Dragons
Like I said at the beginning, there’s has been quite a huge mass of new music waiting for me and this one right here is no different. And it couldn’t get any newer than this one, as this amazing band just released their new album “Origins” today. And holy moly, what a masterpiece that is. Honestly. I mean, I’m usually the indie rock/pop kinda girl and if this album doesn’t do one thing, then it’s indie rock. But I still adore every piece of it. What is happening to me? Since when do I like this kind of music? It’s nearly unfair to be this good at making music. The lyrics are fantastic and truthful, every single track hides a bit of a secret and surprise and last but not least the amazing beats. Those are what make this album get a kind of EDM vibe to it. It’s so heavenly produced and even if you don’t like this type of music, you just have to appreciate the flawless production. And “Love” is just as awesome. I love it. Also, please listen to the lyrics. That’s what I’m talking about. (ps: please use headphones while listening to this, seriously)
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Worst Nites – Foster The People
My boys are baaaack. Finally. See, that’s what I would call a groovy, flowy and funky piece of music. It’s one of those songs that just make you smile and your body move. And as with every Foster The People track it’s just another musical surprise. So, guys, when can I finally see you live? Please go on tour, yes? Thank you.
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Bleed Magic – I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME
This is one of those songs I once again have to thank Spotify for for recommending it to me. And no, I’m not screaming, that’s truly this band`s name. I don’t even want to imagine how many of my now favorite artists I wouldn’t know if it wasn’t for this platform and its amazing, personalized mixes. And once you listen to the song, you know exactly why they chose to put it on my playlist. That’s indie rock/pop at its best. It’s rhythmic and weird and just pure fun. A typical Laura song, I would say. Also, it reminds me of how a song would sound if you put The Killers and Weezer into one box and quickly shook it to get it all mixed up. A Weezer and The Killers baby. And what a beautiful one.
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Sula – Hippo Campus
So, here we are again. Back with one of my favorite boys. But let me tell you one thing – this track right here is everything but new. Actually, this is one of those songs that didn’t make it onto their albums, so they just decided to release them on their own now. And honestly, I think that’s actually the most fantastic idea ever. Imagine how many songs and hidden gems never made it onto the EPs or albums of your favorite artists and are now just waiting to be released. I’m looking at you, Ed. Yes, you. Go on. But jokes aside, “Sula” honestly is an amazing piece of art and I’m so happy that they decided to put it out into the world. Thanks guys.
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Echo – Saint Raymond
And last but not least we have Callum, better known as Saint Raymond, once again blessing us with his angelic voice. I don’t know about you, but I just adore his music so freaking much. I’ve been in love with it from the very first time I saw him live, which was also the first time I saw Ed live. Two incredible singer-songwriters packed into one evening, what a dream come true. But honestly, I’m still so thankful that Callum was part of this show. And I’m so happy that he’s back with some brilliant new music.
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So yeah, there you go guys. That’s another New Music Friday right there. I hope you enjoy these tracks as much as I do. Honestly, I really recommend checking out some new music playlists on Spotify or Apple Music or Amazing Music or whatever. You can never know what’s waiting to be checked out by you. Maybe your new favorite song is just a click away. And maybe you even find your new fave in this list. I’d be super happy if that was the case. And even it isn’t, I still hope you enjoy this little playlist.
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As always, please don’t hesitate to leave your thoughts and comments down below. I hope you’re all doing good and wish you a great weekend. And, of course, thanks for reading. x
Ps: Guys, guess who managed to get tickets for the one and only Tom Rosenthal today?! And no, I’m not kidding. Tom is seriously doing some shows live in London next year and I’m being part of it. I can’t believe it. I would’ve never thought that that would really happen. I feel like the luckiest person on the planet, honestly.
Happy November and belated Happy Halloween to you guys. You know, I’ve always been quite in love with this special holiday – although, is it really a true holiday? – but unlike here in the UK, this night of the dead was never a big deal in my country. No trick or treating, no little kids strolling from house to house. Just people dressing up weirdly and drinking and eating way too much stuff. But here in the UK and Brighton it’s like Christmas, only there’s no Santa, but vampires and witches and hundreds of Michael Myers. Less scary than you would think, but definitely fascinating.
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So, you could say that this year’s Halloween was a bit more unusual and tons more special than my past ones. But not just because of all the craziness of the people in this town. More because I got to spend this Halloween with a very special person – the one and only Lewis Capaldi. And yes, you guessed it right, I spent this year’s Halloween at a concert. Couldn’t get more on brand, right?
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Most of you guys will probably know this Scottish guy with the raspy voice, but if you don’t, what are you doing with your life? Okay, no, I’m just joking. But honestly, you’re truly missing out if your ears haven’t yet been blessed by Lewis’s amazing voice. He’s actually only been around since the beginning of last year, when his song “Bruises” basically blew the metaphorical roof of the internet off. It was everywhere. Even I heard it, without knowing who this guy was and having even less of a clue that I’d be seeing him live twice the following year. Since then he’s been touring Europe countless times, the headline tour he’s doing now even selling out for most of the dates, which is completely crazy. I mean, he hasn’t even got an album out and is already at that stage of his career. Which he’s fully aware of himself, as he joked on Wednesday in his funny Scottish accent: “I just realized, I only have like seven f*cking songs”. A singer-songwriter with a unique voice who doesn’t take himself too seriously, what a catch.
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Actually, I would describe the show as an amazing party, sprinkled with raspy screams, raw voices, tons of goosebumps, some very emotional tears, only the very best selection of dirty jokes and minutes filled with laughter. So, overall, I have to say I pretty much loved every single second of it and actually never wanted it to end. Lewis’s voice is something special, that completely draws you into it. It totally fills you up and cuddles you like a blanket. Which is something that especially got noticeable when he played some of his newest tracks, which, by the way, I can’t wait for to be finally released. His new album is definitely one of those musical pieces that I’ll be eagerly looking forward to.
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If I had to choose my favorite moment of the set, I would say either those few minutes when Lewis played one of his new songs and the whole crowd just went completely silent, letting his voice float through the room and fill it up. Or the very end, when he played “Bruises”, which is the one song he’s most well-known for. That’s the song everyone knew and every single person could sing and scream. Suddenly the whole crowd morphed together into one huge choir, which, not to be dramatic or anything, was rather magical. Those are exactly the moments I love the most at concerts – the most quiet and most passionate ones. It’s live music at its finest.
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For me, Lewis is one of those people you can go and see live over and over again, because he’ll always make you crack up with his jokes and dream for a bit with his songs. He just knows how to turn the evening into something special. And I’m more than happy that I got to spent Halloween at his concert, because it was just so different, in the best way possible.
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If any of you have a bit of money left and an intense urge to spice up your playlist with some new, amazing music, I’d highly recommend going to one of Lewis’s shows. I think he’s touring the UK and Europe for a bit now over the next few months, so it’s worth to look out for him. And until then I’d love to hear your opinions on his music, I really hope you like it. So, please don’t hesitate to leave your comments and thoughts down below. As always, I hope you’re all doing good and that you enjoyed this post. I wish you all a great weekend. And, of course, thanks for reading. x
Do you ever feel like you should be at another place, somewhere else? Yes? Same. This is something that especially happens to me whenever there’s a concert or a festival I really wish I could be at while being stuck at home. Which is exactly what I went through the past week.
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If you’ve been following my blog for a while now, you’ll probably know what happened exactly a year ago. ADE. Or one of the best nights of my life. The night I went to Martijns show. The night I danced for three hours straight. The night I definitely lost some of my hearing. And the night I saw Martijn, up close, standing right in front of me, smiling. It was a night and a weekend I’ll never forget.
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Which brings me back to present time. And the one event that has been ruling my past week, even though I wasn’t there. You guessed it right – ADE. The best EDM festival – apart from Tomorrowland, of course – and the week where the whole scene, all the DJs, all the fans, get together in the one and only Amsterdam to celebrate this incredible type of music.
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But I don’t want to bathe myself in self-pity. I’m still very, very happy to be where I am right now – especially because of one massive thing that happened on Friday, which I’m going to tell you all about at the end. Actually, I want to use this post as a way of celebrating EDM and Marty – who was again awarded as the Nr. 1 DJ in the world for the third time in a row btw – literally gave me the best reason to with the release of his newest EP, which includes five new songs. He released one every single day for the last week, just another reason why last week was way more exciting than I had anticipated.
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For me, all of the songs are a masterpiece for themselves and I love how none of them sound anything like the other. And I’m more than proud that I get to share them with you guys. So, let’s go.
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Breach (Walk Alone)
This was the very first song that went out on Monday, so just about a week ago. It’s actually a collaboration between Marty and Blinders, one of the DJs he has signed at his label STMPD, known for the bop “Snakecharmer”. And from the very first beat on you can feel Blinders presence in the song. Until you get to the part where a female voice hits you and that’s when Martys fingerprint becomes more visible. Also, the small hints of violins basically scream his name, which I totally love and which seem like a theme throughout the whole EP. Apart from that the song is just a pure banger and literally perfect to get a crowd heated up.
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Yottabyte
The EDM lovers among you will probably know the beautiful melody of this masterpiece, which was premiered at this years’ Tomorrowland festival as the opening track of Martijns set. Besides the usual electronic beats, it also features a series of sounds that strongly remind me of the rewinding of a music box and its comforting tune. This is also what gives the song its special feel. And, of course, the beat just drives you into it.
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Latency
This is another collaboration, but this time with Dyro. I can still remember hearing this for the very first time this year, Martijn telling the crowd to clap in sync with the beat. It was breathtaking. The intensity of the beat, building up until it reaches its peak, with its harsh electronic shredding in the background, makes you throw up your hands in the air and jump like you’ve never jumped in your entire life. It’s EDM at its best.
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Access
Also known as Chinatown, this song is one of the highly anticipated tracks that got hinted by Marty about one and a half years ago during a YouTube live stream. After all this time, it is now here, out in the world. And following the electric beat of Latency, it almost has a sense of cuteness to it. You can feel that Martijn was younger while producing the melody and how he got older and more musically mature during the finish. It’s like you hear him grow up by listening to this song.
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Waiting For Tomorrow
Well, where shall I begin? This is it. This is the song that literally every MG fan has been waiting for (apart from Rewind, Repeat It – can we please release this too? Thank you). This is Waiting For Tomorrow, featuring Pierce Fulton and Mike Shinoda, which most of you will probably know from the band Linkin Park. This masterpiece of a track was first premiered at Ultra in 2016 and has ever since been a recurring highlight during Martijns shows over the past few years and months. Although I already know it by heart just from going to his shows and watching the sets online, it feels damn good to have it finally out there in the world, for everyone to enjoy it. From the very first second on, the song builds up, utilizing amazing vocals, energetic melodies, great percussion just to peak with a drop that turns the whole track into a breathtaking piece of progressive house music. All I can say is that it was definitely worth the wait.
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So, there you go guys. That’s what happened last week. I have to say, I do feel pretty sad that I didn’t get to attend this years’ ADE, but I’m already preparing for next year. Also, like I hinted at the beginning, one very cool thing happened just a few days ago, which would’ve never been possible if I hadn’t been in Brighton. Because, guys, guess who got to talk to the one and only Felix Kjellberg, aka PewDiePie. And no, I’m not joking. I did really meet and talk to my favorite YouTuber. And yes, I’m still floating around on a cloud of pure happiness and I don’t intend to ever change that. I don’t want to turn the little convo we had into a huge dramatic deal, but I just want to say that Felix was literally the nicest guy ever. I was quite nervous about talking to him, especially as I know that he doesn’t really like it that much. But I just told him that I loved his videos and thanked him for everything and then let him get on with his day. I don’t get fans who go up to their faves and literally ask them for a picture and then just walk off. That’s not me and that’s certainly nothing he deserves. And I guess, overall it was really a nice talk. Especially as Edgar seemed to really enjoy my cuddles. (Just a little insert by my inner fangirl – OMG, can you believe I really talked to Pewds? How is this even possible? Holy moly.)
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Okay, and now I’m going to end my brabble about EDM and special human beings. As always, I hope you enjoy this post. Please don’t hesitate to leave your comments and thoughts down below. I wish you all a nice week and hope you’re all doing good. Oh and guys, just for your info, I won’t be posting anything until next week as my parents will be visiting me and I want to spend as much time with them as I can. Thanks for your understanding. And, of course, thanks for reading. x
Looks like we’ve come to another Friday, huh? How has your week been? I hope it’s been great. I’m honestly really looking forward to the weekend. And believe it or not, but while I’m writing this, I’m actually sat outside, at the beach. The weather has been close to perfect the past days and it kind of feels like the summer is having a little comeback here in Brighton. And oh yes, I’m more than loving this.
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But besides the weekend, there’s something special that I’m even more looking forward to. The music lovers among you, who’ve read the title of this post, will probably already know what I’m about to talk to you guys about. Yes, I have the absolute honor of discussing the hot and new album Trench by the one and only Twenty One Pilots. God, I can’t even begin to tell you how long I’ve been waiting to finally say this. Long. But as the clock struck 12 tonight, the world was blessed with this new album. And I’m not just saying this because I’m a huge fan of Tyler and Josh and their amazing music. No. I’m saying this because those 14 songs on that album are freaking masterpieces. The whole album is a masterpiece. Welcome to Trench.
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So, let’s start right at the beginning. Trench is the fifth album by Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun, better known as the band Twenty One Pilots. To be honest, when I heard that they were finally releasing a new album, after their one year long hiatus, I went nuts. You know, TOP aren’t just a band. They are special. Like really special. I’m just gonna go and say that I do know and listen to a lot of bands from different genres. But TOP are on another level, their music isn’t like anything I’ve ever heard before. A statement that became even truer when I heard their very first single Jumpsuit, then Nico and the Niners, Levitate and My Blood. And even more when I got to understand the meaning behind all of these songs. If you want to check out my review of them, where I explain the whole story of Dema and Clancy and what’s it all got to do with a jumpsuit, please click here.
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Personally, after listening to those four songs and now the album, I’d say that we’ve all just got to witness TOP moving on to another level and another era. Not just because of the story, but also from the musical point of view. Because on the one hand, Trench gives us the typical sound of TOP that we all love so much, but on the other hand it’s a complete change and surprise. It’s still schizophrenia pop – yep, that’s their own genre, created just for them – but also very different. It’s a total rollercoaster, from start to finish. Genres change within the songs and between them. The rhythms seem very soulful, sometimes even moving towards RnB. There are breathtaking rap parts, followed by tear-jerking violin lines and lyrics that tell you nothing but the truth if you just listen to them closely. That’s what I’ve always loved about TOP and Tyler’s writing – he doesn’t hide anything, he just doesn’t make it too obvious.
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But what exactly is Trench? Well, that’s a question that’s not easy to answer – like with most things when it comes to TOP and their music. After researching for hours and hours and listening to and reading the lyrics, I’d say that Trench is far more than just a story about an imaginary city called Dema and a trapped guy called Clancy. At the end, the album is about Tyler and Tyler only. About his ongoing fight with depression and anxiety (Morph), about suicidal thoughts (Chlorine, Cut My Lip), about the death of his grandfather (Legend), his love for his wife Jenna (Smithereens), his struggles as an artist and writer (Pet Cheetah) and about his relationship with the clique, their fanbase (The Hype, Leave the City). Once you look over those mostly cryptic lyrics and acknowledge the deeper meaning of them all, this album becomes a really personal one. This is also why while listening to it for the very first time, I didn’t know what to do with myself as soon as it ended. I had so many different emotions trapped inside me. I felt happy and sad, broken and mended, conflicted and ecstatic. And there were still tears glistening in my eyes, both happy and sad ones. And even after all these hours that have passed since, I still can’t fully get my head around it. It’s just too much. But in the best way ever.
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Looking at the songs themselves, I kind of feel it’s really hard to split them from another. They just fit so perfectly and carry the story of the album like a red thread, that it becomes especially impossible to chose a few favorites. I can just tell you which songs had the biggest impact on me during the very first listen: Jumpsuit, My Blood, Neon Gravestones, Bandito, Legend and Leave The City. Some of these got me because of the lyrics, some due to the huge surprise of musical changes. But all of them are amazing. As are the rest, of course.
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I would actually love to discuss every single song with you guys, especially as I literally googled and kind of analyzed every single one, but that would turn this post into a never ending one. Due to this, I’d just like to stick to most of the songs that I stated above and kind of go through all of their meanings.
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Jumpsuit
I’ll never forget the very first time I listened to this and watched the video for it. It blew me away. As some of you may know and also as I’ve mentioned right at the beginning of this post, I’ve already analyzed this one, so please click here to find out more about the mind-blowing story behind this song and its followers.
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Neon Gravestones
This is the one song that actually struck me because of how true and direct the lyrics are. The song starts off with a calm piano rhythm and then goes into the more upbeat drums by Josh, followed by an amazing rap by Tyler about suicide and how society nowadays glorifies those who end their lives. He especially addresses artists who end up being never forgotten because they ended their lives at the peak of their career. They are the ones who have their names in neon lights, which then become neon gravestones, once they die. Tyler then continues talking about his own death (“I could go out with a bang”), and that he doesn’t want us to remember him because of his death, but because of his life. The song then both peaks and ends with a powerful, rhythmic rap about how we should rather glorify life and celebrate those who spent their time living it, for example grandparents (this part especially gets a far greater meaning once you get to Legend and find out what’s it about).
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Bandito
Do you know this feeling when you listen to a song and you never want it to stop? Ever? Because that’s what happened to me while listening to this. Bandito starts off with a distant beat that kind of resembles the noise of a heart rate monitor. Later on, during the chorus, the rhythm moves up a bit while still retaining the slowness of the beginning. And then Sahlo Folina comes. Those are the two words that act as a guide that moves you towards the second, more upbeat half of the song. What makes this song stand out for me are those exact parts when Tyler creates his own choir by singing Sahlo Folina over and over again, while the drums in the background become faster and faster and draw you into them. I couldn’t help myself but feel my heart beat faster with every second that went by. But what’s the meaning of the song? Honestly, yes, the lyrics are indeed as cryptic as you would think, but as always the clique is better than the whole FBI team out there. From what I could find the song actually is about Tyler and Josh and their lives between the Blurryface era and the Trench era. But even more so, the song is about Tyler being trapped in Dema and creating Trench to feel some sort of control. It’s about his creative life, which also connects to the translation of Sahlo Folina that I found on Reddit:
“In Bandito the line “Sahlo Folina” appears several times. I’ve seen several people think this is something backwards, but it actually has its own meaning. “Sahlo” means to enable in Somali. Folina is a name and according to a name website I found, it means this: “Your name of Folina has made you happiest when you are expressing in some creative, artistic way, and not conforming to strict routine”. So “Sahlo Folina” means to enable expressive creations. This makes a lot of sense considering the next verse is all about his ability to create the world of Trench.“
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Legend
Don’t be surprised, but this is actually the only song on the album besides Smithereens that really has a happy sound to it. It has got it all – a light beat, a dreamy ukulele in the background and Tyler’s raw voice. Naturally, you would expect to be happy while listening to this, right? But nope. Because once you listen to the lyrics, you can say straight up bye to your makeup (if it’s still intact), because here they come, the tears. For me, this song is the saddest one. I mean, most of them have a deep, sad meaning to them, but Legend literally crushed my heart. Because this one is about Tyler’s grandfather and his death. We get to hear the story of how he got Alzheimer and how Tyler couldn’t really cope with it. And how he got to hear the beginning of the song, but not the end, because it took too long. And how his niece will never get to meet him. While listening to the song, I kind of felt like I was a part of Tyler’s life. And honestly, I just wanted to give him a hug.
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Leave The City
This is the last song of the album and for me, also the perfect finale. And while listening to it, you can actually feel Tyler and Josh thinking the same. The song isn’t the last song just because. It has to be there. Not just because it’s a musical masterpiece, with extremely soft vocals and a slow beat that wraps itself around you like a blanket. It’s there because of its meaning. The city, Dema, isn’t just a city, but represents Tyler’s anxieties and depression. As we know from songs like Jumpsuit and Nico and the Niners, Clancy aka Tyler is fighting to break out of the city, he wants to leave it. And this is the point this song describes. Tyler is finally coming to terms with his mental health problems and knows that he will be strong enough to overcome them at some part of his life, but for now, he wants to focus on staying alive. It is once again an ode to the fans, the faces facing him, as he stays in this safe space that is Trench, together with them, and although he’s far from home he’s not alone. This thought is underlined at the very end of the song, which finishes with the lyrics “they know what I mean” (they = the clique) and also the same chord as the one in Truce. Overall, it feels like one of the most dedicated and emotional songs of the album, that resonates with you long after it’s over.
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For me, those very meanings turn Trench into such a special album. When I heard that TOP were making a new album, I knew we would get something new, but I for sure wasn’t expecting this. And I can’t even begin to tell you how proud I am of these two guys. It isn’t just the breathtakingly amazing production (well done Tyler and Paul Meany) or the astonishing lyrics, it’s the overall package. In the words of my mum, this album doesn’t just feel like an album, it feels like a book, like a story. And yes, it is a story. It’s the story of Tyler and Josh and the clique altogether. Ultimately, Trench isn’t a city or a place, it’s us. We are Trench. We are Twenty One Pilots.
So guys, there you go. I know this has ended in being quite a lengthy post, but honestly, I could’ve said so much more. I just really wanted to share it all with you guys, even more because this band and the album mean quite a lot to me. And I really, really hope that you enjoy this album too and of course this post. I will leave the spotify link down below, so you can have a listen for yourself. As always, please don’t hesitate to leave your thoughts down below, please do tell me what you think about it. And until then I wish you all an amazing weekend and hope you’re all doing alright. And, of course, thanks for reading. x
And hello weekend. Or at least Friday. And also, hello to another music recommendation on my behalf. Because today, guys, isn’t just a simple Friday like any other, no no no. Today is a very special Friday, because today is the official album launch day of a very exceptional band called Hippo Campus, which I may or may not have talked about already (who am I kidding? I have because they are freaking fantastic).
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So from today on there is an album out there called Bambi and unlike the movie, it isn’t meant to break everyone’s heart. But it is indeed meant to open everyone’s eyes (and ears) to the musical world out there and this new fantastic kind of music, that sounds sort of new and sort of old, both at the same time. In short, this album is a damn masterpiece and I’m going to tell you why.
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I’ve been a fan of Hippo Campus ever since I first heard their song Suicide Saturday. And then I heard Monsoon and on top of that their live version. From that moment on I was head over heels in love with them. Actually, the live version, which I’ve shared on here probably a million times, is one of those videos I always go back to once in a while. It’s one of these special songs that I’ll probably make my grandchildren listen to, just to show them what was “in” back in the days.
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But let’s now focus on this very new and very cool album. Personally, I would say that it’s quite a new sound for these American guys. I mean, they’ve always had their foot deep in the indie corner of the music universe, but I feel like this album gave them one last push. I mean, I was honestly completely blown away when I first heard their new single Bambi, the title track of the album. Even more so because the lyrics related so much to me. It just was the perfect song for this particular situation in my life. But the album does feel like the beginning on a new era. Of course the songs still carry their signature indie, synth sound and their evergreen trumpet lines, but especially with songs like Golden, Why Even Try and Honestly, they’ve introduced this more guitar-esque and indie-rock kind of sound to their range of musical talents. And on the other hand some of their new tracks have such an experimental and electronic vibe to them, which I totally love.
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Overall the album isn’t just an utter masterpiece, but I feel like it’s also a huge step for the band too. It sounds bigger, more mature and it just fits. It’s an actual rollercoaster, where not one song sounds like the next, but somehow they are all perfectly in sync. There are ten songs in total and they all sound so unique and different, but together they become such an incredible cohesive unit. And if that wasn’t enough, the first and last song both fit so perfectly, it’s like you’re watching a mind-blowing sci-fi movie, but it’s an album with an epic opening and an even more epic ending. This is also why it’s extremely hard for me to chose a personal favorite. You know, when I listen to a new album that really means a lot to me, that I’ve waited for a long time, I always let myself completely fall into it. I lie down on the couch, turn down the lights, close my eyes and then let the music take over. But when there’s a part in a song that just completely surprises me or catches my heart, my eyes always fly open and I can tell you, that happened a lot in those 33 minutes it took me to listen through the album. So yeah. The album is that good, that I can’t decide which song I like the most. I can just tell you the ones I prefer mostly: Doubt (it’s love), Bambi (of course), Why Even Try (such a hit, omg), Honestly (yes, just yes), Golden (it’s pure gold).
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But listen for yourself:
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So yeah, welcome to the world Bambi. What an amazing album. I can’t wait to listen to it over and over again and fall for it more and more. As you can probably guess, I would highly recommend listening to it guys. Hippo Campus really are such a special band with a such a unique sound and honestly, they deserve far more attention than what they’re getting. I can’t wait to see them grow and gain popularity. So guys, stop whatever you’re doing right now and go listen to this awesome band. And then of course please don’t forget to tell me all your thoughts and opinions, because I’m more than curious. And yeah, until then I wish you all an awesome weekend, musically highlighted by Bambi, of course. And, as always, I hope you enjoyed this post/review and thanks for reading. x
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Ps: Also, did I mention that I will actually be seeing this very awesome guys in Brighton next February? I can’t even begin to tell you guys how freaking excited I am for that. Seriously. When I saw that they would be doing a show here, I completely freaked out. Mostly because they are still very unknown I believe, especially in Austria. And of course they’re not coming to Vienna on their tour, but they’re coming to Brighton and I’m going to be there, front row, with the happiest smile on my face ever. The wait was real guys. But it was so worth it.
that lemon life 