By Maryjane Perez | 1 September 2023
The Band CAMINO—consisting of members Jeffery Jordan (vocals, guitar), Spencer Stewart (vocals, guitar), and Garrison Burgess (bass)—are back with their sophomore album, The Dark. Similar to their debut album, these songs delve into the complexities of relationships and love. The album takes listeners through the band's self-destructive behaviors, emotional highs and lows, and exhilarating feelings of infatuation with a sound that is reminiscent of 2000s rom-com pop-rock tracks.
The opening track, “Told You So,” sets an angsty tone for listeners. The swelling drum beats and guitar riffs compliment the pent up frustration of the lyrics: “Let me guess, you miss me, you’re sorry / Heard that I was here with somebody / Too bad, it’s too little, too late.” This song offers the band and listeners a cathartic release.
“What Am I Missing?” is an immediate switch from anger to a sense of confusion, longing to reconnect with an ex. “I hate when you show up / I hate it when you don’t / Why am I still hopin’ you’ll call / When I know you won’t?” There is an acknowledgement that the relationship was not the best and it’s better to move on, but the heart and mind don’t always agree. “Save My Life” ascends into a similar theme with harmonious vocals and upbeat drums.
Track four, “Let It Happen,” is a collection of bouncy beats and fun guitar riffs but the song is more somber when you listen closely to the lyrics. “I’ve been a little careless with my actions / I’ve been a little passive with my passions” and “I’m in a place where I’m just gonna let it happen.” It’s an admittance of reckless habits with no intention to change.
Taking a turn away from self-depreciation, “It’s You (It’s You),” is a drum-driven and unapologetic callout on the bad habits of the other person in the relationship. This relatively mellow track builds up to a whimsical release of pent up frustration. “Honey, you got so much soul searching to do / Pack up your baggage and go / Not gonna sugarcoat it / I gotta tell you the truth” are standout lyrics from the album because of how brutally honest they are. Staying in tune with this upfront honesty, “Same Page” is a reflective pop-rock track about a relationship falling apart and the connection fading. The exasperation is heard in the lyrics “Aren’t you so tired of trying to fake a connection? / We’re going ‘round and around and around.”
The next three tracks offer a fun twist to the album. “See You Later” is a feel good track about being infatuated, featuring groovy guitar strums and ear-tingling falsettos. “You got the whole room in love with you / But I get to make it with you all night.” “Afraid Of The Dark” alludes to being haunted by the memories of a relationship, but its poppy beats and catchy chorus make for a fun listening experience. “Novocaine” is all about budding romance and the overflowing rush of excitement that comes with falling in love. “I’m feeling for the first time.” As someone who loves romance these tracks are definitely in my top 5 ranking. Plus, it makes for the perfect dance and sing along moment.
“Three Month Hangover” is an emotionally candid look into a post breakup world of yearning for what once was. “‘Cause all this small talk filler / Is just a cheap pain-killer / And you’re still there when it wears off / Got a headache and it won’t stop.” The transparency of these lyrics pulled me in instantly.
Despite this downward spiral, the album ends on a high note. Buzzing with energy, vibrating guitar solos, and punchy vocals, “Last Man In The World” is hands down the most headbanging and shout-singing-worthy track. Fast paced lyrics like, “Locked up, shut down, city is a ghost town / Empty streets, it’s only you and me now” are definitely going to be stuck in my head for the foreseeable future.
The Band CAMINO’s ability to showcase their vulnerability not only makes their music relatable but also genuine. Lyrically, this album has shown promising growth from the band. Sonically, it is cohesive and maintains the band’s established sound, but I would be curious to see the band experiment more with different instrumentals. Sometimes it can be a bit repetitive, but there are a few standout moments. Overall, it is a good album.
If this album’s infectious beats and emotion-filled lyrics capture your attention, be sure to catch The Band CAMINO at a show on tour.
Comentarios