“A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”
Well first of all this band has an amazing lead vocalist, Sameer Gadhia who leaves the listener in a wonderful trance, never wanting to let go. They broke out of the music scene with their beautiful song 'My Apartment' in 2011. Judging from their first big single, one could tell that this band was nonetheless leading to bigger and better things as their sound was one that produced a light almost ethereal feel; which is strikingly different for an all male lead band. Then again, many can argue and say that a lot of Indie bands do have lead singers with sultry voices but it is evident that in their particular song 'Guns Out' that Sameer's voice is unique as they come. This band's sound is a cross between cherubs playing and hobos in Brooklyn. Even I would laugh at this analogy but to me I really can't seem to find any other way to describe them. This particular sing posted is definitely one of my favourites from them and is left up to the listener's interpretation. Whatever it may be, one can definitely sense an air of freedom, independence and a fight for individualism in this song. I can guess this from the line,' And all these people with small dreams are looking up at big screens, well am I wrong or right?'
It seems that the message here is one indicating a sort of slavery relating to conformism and accepting who we should be through the media. 'Small minds' refer to the extent to which we are trapped and eventually become submissive to the sold dream that we are no better than what the media/ society proposes us to be. The beginning of the song is revolutionary and takes a head on approach to bringing about this change.
Actually listening to this song and looking at a lot of other Indie bands on the whole, have left me wondering if I really am a conformist. I say fight to be all that you can be and know yourself to be. You should never change or want to change for anybody else. God made us all to be unique and contribute to this Earth in a way that only we can inexplicably could. Even if you don't believe in God, there must be something greater than ourselves out there and by just being ourselves we can contribute significantly to society in ways we could never think possible.
You may then think, 'All of this from one song?'
But that my friend is the power of music. It's art on a spreadsheet, art in the wind, travelling through sound, illuminating our lives and leaving much for our interpretations. Artistes have a lot to say through their music and next time you listen to a song :
This band is an absolutely wonderful band whose eccentric voice lead and diversified sounds appeals to the soul in constant need of true Indie Gratification...
The first time that I heard this band to be honest was when they had practically gone mainstream. Not one to be this unaware of rising Indie performers, yet alone wonderful ones like these, I was surprised that I was not quick on the beat. Their song "Tongue Tied' is truly amazing and was of course a big hit, not only among hipsters and hipster wannabes but it was actually the #1 position on Billboard Alternative Songs Chart.
Yet my favourite song was 'Get giddy'. The introductory lyrics,' oh, let's be friends and we'll hold hands as trains go passin' by' just caught my attention and carried me to that place that only hair raising songs can. The distinguishable voice and the wonderful purist vibe just really opened up my perspective to this band. Their lyrics are appealing to the masses; the heartbroken, the heart breakers, the loners, the outcasts and every classification we propose ourselves to be.
The video posted is called 'Colours' and can have a variety of meanings. However to me, I see an individual on a soul searching journey and ultimately, seeing the world in this burst of colours. This band is making it huge followed by many others such as Foster the People, Phoenix, Young the Giant, Two Door cinema Club, and my personal all time favourite, Cage the Elephant.
Sad, you are Lonely and gazing into the far Distance, As I watch I wish That you'd tell me what's wrong, Why you seem to long For that desperate means of escape. O Sullen one O Sad one O Obscure one Please not be shy Please not be timid Be daring, be fierce, be bold. Be that person deep inside your soul Baring arms, bringing gifts Aiming golden spears at the treachery That is your World.
O Dear one Tell a sister dear For it is a saddened affair If I am left to wonder what silences you so, Yet leaves your eyes astute to the world, Waiting to be lifted up, Or maybe, Biding your time to lift the world up. A mighty plan is in store for you, Blueprints primed from birth. That hint of special like no one else, That burden of compassion, Of turmoil and love Aches your soul, Poor thing. What is it? Tell a sister, Dear.
