Artist: THE BEAUTIFUL FEAR Single: Land of Never Mind Genre: Psychedelic, Indie Rock, Post Rock Release Date: February 29th, 2024
“Land of Never Mind” plunges us head-first into the stark reality of our present age, defined by a labyrinth of anxiety and fractured tranquility. It delves into the profound impact of social media, encapsulating what Bannister describes as ‘the age of moi,’ alongside the perils of cyber misinformation and the unsettling allure of AI. In this digital realm, where thumbs steer our course, the song implies that our reward for succumbing to dishonesty is a desensitized detachment.
The track resonates with echoes of modern classics like Father John Misty’s “Total Entertainment Forever,” though it’s worth noting the irony of referring to it as ‘modern’ despite its recent release. Even Misty couldn’t have foreseen the extent to which his grim prophecy would be fulfilled. Bannister bravely shoulders the responsibility of bearing witness to contemporary life, fearlessly confronting what he affectionately terms the ‘age of moi.’ His lyrics are direct and unadorned, offering a raw reflection of society without embellishment. While the perspective may seem well-trodden, its relevance and potency remain steadfast, with no escape from its truths.
The irony deepens when considering The Beautiful Fear’s position as an artist. Like all artists, Bannister navigates a world of likes and self-promotion – inherent burdens of the artistic journey. This layer of dramatic irony, whether intentional or not, adds a poignant depth to the song, highlighting the universal struggle with this reality. After writing this song and trying on this perspective, they rejoin the cyber space with the rest of us, offering a sobering reminder of our shared condition.
It’s a somber reflection and a necessary wake-up call. I think I’ll go take a walk outside for a bit.
‘Land of Never Mind’ is the closing track of The Beautiful Fear’s album, ‘Where Influencers Die’
Check it out here:
https://open.spotify.com/album/2ZfLN0TQMIuDr344ENJjho?si=3L76dDL2TZeCq-XV7ZK-uQ
Check out THE BEAUTIFUL FEAR’s socials:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2w5unXwCzVXRO7ntWzaYSx
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCADV60eiTT_-TEYsdc5l0Bg
https://www.instagram.com/thebeautifulfear/
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“Land of Never Mind” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating DA DA DA - Best New Music
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
Reviews
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Andi Fins’ “You Need A Friend” is a warm, introspective hug in musical form—a celebration of companionship that feels refreshingly sincere without tipping into saccharine territory. Set against a backdrop of shimmering DX7 chords and playful guitar lines, the song channels a relaxed, almost effortless vibe that invites listeners into a world of quiet nights, cozy conversations, and the simple joy of shared moments.
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BOYFRN’s single “GoGo,” released on July 26, 2024, brings a dynamic fusion of emotional depth and rhythmic drive. Produced by Bobby Love, Young Clancy, and Dave Plowman, and supported by Jahmal Padmore’s drumming, “GoGo” navigates the stages of grief through an explosive, rhythmic canvas. The track’s themes of anger and resilience resonate as BOYFRN delivers a raw, poetic reflection on pushing through hardship.
Grace McLean’s “My Lovely Enemy” is an eerie, entrancing track that defies easy classification. It weaves together a mix of avant-garde pop, blending synths, strings, funky bass lines, and even New Orleans-style horns. The result is a song that constantly shifts and evolves, offering a fresh piece of ear candy every few seconds as it moves between sparse moments and full orchestral swells. This unpredictable soundscape keeps listeners on edge, never settling into one mood or feeling for too long.
Maggie Rogers has treated fans to her first new material since the release of her album Don’t Forget Me earlier this year. The single, titled “In The Living Room,” is a nostalgic nod packed with 90s-inspired guitars and LeAnn Rimes-esque vocal hooks. Co-written and co-produced with Ian Fitchuk, the track was born out of a March 2023 studio session, just a few months after finishing her latest album.
Seattle-based artist Annie J’s latest single, “Gotta Give It Up,” from her upcoming EP “Been Loving You,” is a disco-infused gem that blends funky rhythms with modern pop sensibility. Bursting with energy, this track is designed to make you move, with a groove that’s infectious from the first note.
“A Letter From A Friend” feels like an intimate conversation, woven with a warmth that only comes from experience. Across the album, Beck shares his personal reflections, offering a glimpse into nearly a decade of his life. The album isn’t overly dramatic; instead, it’s grounded in the quiet moments of everyday existence. The acoustic-driven sound, organic and unpretentious, creates an atmosphere where each song feels like a slow, deliberate exchange of thoughts—familiar, yet meaningful.
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