1. Curiosity Cat
The EP opens with "Curiosity Cat," which immediately grabs attention with its heavy guitar intro. The song dives into themes of self-reflection and inner turmoil, highlighted by the poignant lyrics, "When you look into the mirror... and you hate yourself in silence..." The powerful imagery in lines like "Was it curiosity that killed the cat? Awesome mission" and the intense atmosphere created by the heavy drums and electric guitar make "Curiosity Cat" a compelling start to the EP.
2. Casey
This track stands out with its heartfelt narrative and soothing melodies, making it a memorable highlight of the EP. The song tells the story of a character named Casey, who serves as a voice of reason and support in the protagonist's life. The chorus captures a sense of regret and missed opportunities with lines like, "You told me how to live, you said I woulda had it easy, I coulda had it easy, I shoulda had it easy, oh well..." The themes of self-doubt and the search for validation are poignantly expressed through the evocative lyrics and emotional delivery. The reflective closing line, "This is my friend Casey," underscores the personal journey of the protagonist.
3. English Rose
"English Rose" is a beautifully composed ballad that begins with a slow, contemplative guitar and gradually builds up with electric guitar layers. The track features delicate instrumental arrangements and lyrical storytelling that paint a vivid picture of longing and reminiscence. The chorus, "When the world's gone crazy, and all the bars are closed, you may find me in, with the ashes of my English rose," speaks to a deep sense of loss and nostalgia. This imagery evokes a scene of solace amidst chaos, where the protagonist finds comfort in the memory of a lost love. The "ashes of my English rose" symbolize the remnants of a past relationship, cherished and mourned in the midst of a turbulent world. The combination of soft vocals and the building intensity of the instrumentation makes this track a serene yet emotionally powerful experience, highlighting themes of love, loss, and resilience.
4. Confrontation
Bringing a raw and edgy sound to the EP, "Confrontation" lives up to its name with a more aggressive tone and spirited performance. The lyrics, "Someone help me understand, how this earth feels... Someone help me understand, the weight of the world... why it feels so cool," capture the essence of existential confusion and the struggle to connect with the world and others. The plea in "make it confrontation, make it educational, help me start to re-learn basic interaction" highlights a sense of alienation and the need for reconnection. The track's dynamic shifts and powerful delivery, marked by heavy guitar riffs and pounding drums, add to the intense emotional landscape, making it a standout piece that addresses themes of inner conflict and self-assertion.
5. Masculine
The EP closes with "Masculine," a powerful song that explores themes of identity and self-expression. It starts with the striking lines, "Put your fist away boy... Real men don't fight... it's just your insecurities cause your mom never taught you right... you should listen." The song critiques traditional notions of masculinity, challenging aggressive behaviors and highlighting the insecurities behind them. Lines like "Everything you stand for means fuck off to me" and "I never understood this masculine identities" delve into the protagonist's rejection of societal expectations about masculinity. The lyrics "Your sex life is of nothing of interest to me, I barely have control for my own" emphasize the struggle for personal autonomy amidst external pressures. The refrain, "So put your fist away boy, real men don't fight," and the repeated sentiment of misunderstanding overbearing masculine identities, reinforce the song's central message. The robust instrumental backdrop and introspective lyrics create a compelling finale that leaves a lasting impact.
Overall Impressions: 'Fix it in Post' is a cohesive and well-produced EP that highlights As Seen Above's talent and potential. Each track brings something unique to the table, making it a compelling listen from start to finish. The band's ability to blend introspective lyrics with diverse musical styles ensures that the EP resonates on multiple levels.
Recommendation: For an immersive experience, we highly recommend listening to 'Fix it in Post' on Spotify below. This EP not only showcases As Seen Above's growth as artists but also provides a deeply engaging musical journey that fans of indie and alternative rock will appreciate.