Review by Shannon Shumaker
Pop-punk band Alive & Well’s new EP, From Basements To Beaches tells of the struggles of staying positive, addressing life’s problems and overcoming them. It’s brief, only four songs in length, but something many people can relate to.
“Transplant Rejection” starts the EP off right with a very strong guitar tone and vocals that sound very similar to A Loss For Words at times. The song chronicles the move from the east to west coast, carried by hopeful lyrics about following your dreams no matter the cost. Toward the end of the song, the message is clear – don’t give up on your dreams, regardless of how hard it may be.
Following “Transplant Rejection” is “No Winter In The West,” which follows the themes of staying positive and overcoming hardships, and in this case the hardship is seasonal affective disorder. The line, “I don’t wanna do this anymore” feels like a fight to stay positive and keep moving forward – a war cry. Musically, the track really shines as well, hosting quite a bit of beautiful guitar work, especially later during the bridge.
“Addictions” comes next with faster pace and more aggressive, frustrated sound, followed by the positive and hopeful ending, “259 Park Drive.” The final track serves as the perfect ending, telling a story of support and friendship, a vital part of moving forward and overcoming hardships. Lines like, “We all made mistakes/At least we made them together,” are standouts, something that fans will be singing along with in no time.
Though there isn’t a huge variety of sounds on From Basements To Beaches, the lyrical journey on the EP more than makes up for it. Each song has meaning and tells a story, and one that many listeners will be able to relate to. This EP is sure to leave fans eager to see what is next for Alive & Well.
Rating: 4/5
Listen to “No Winter In The West”
STAY CONNECTED WITH ALIVE & WELL: https://www.facebook.com/aliveandwellca