We're getting close to the end of the summer and we are still being graced with many different bands, new and old, putting out material that could potentially be added to your warm weather playlists. Values is a young and upcoming band fresh off of the streets of Atlanta, Georgia, that has put all of its heart into crafting together passionate and heartfelt songs within the last year. With all of their dedication and hard work pulling through in the long run, the band introduces their driven sound with the release of an EP titled The Person I Chose To Be; a collaborate release of six feel-good songs that will help satisfy your nostalgic pop punk fix.
One trait that definitely comes to mind when diving head first into this EP at first, is the band's recollecting nostalgic sound that will remind listeners of the days when they listened to New Found Glory for the first time. Overall, every song on The Person I Chose To Be is on point with capturing the essentials of sticking true to the "easycore" sound. While songs like "For What It's Worth" and "If You're A Bird, I'm A Bird" may potentially remind listeners of the lines they wrote to help get over old high school flings, the album's opening track, "...Just Getting Warmed Up" is a straightforward song that sums up their ethics as a band: to be yourself, stay true to the music that makes you feel alive and not let the opinions of others get in the way of your aspirations.
While the opening tracks of The Person I Choose To Be enlightens listeners with a nostalgic feelings, the second half of this record is where we see the true colors of the band's musicianship; complimented with the band's articulately in-your-face and honest lyrical context.
In some aspects, the title-track imposes positive and self-respecting ideals that constantly question the actions of others by reflecting a total sense disinterest of following crowd. And last, but not least, "Stay Posi, Bro" is an upbeat and catchy song that brings it all home, by closing off the record. At first, you might think of this track as another typical "keep your head up" song, but don't judge a song by its name just yet. "Stay Posi, Bro" is an optimistically-driven track that opens its eyes to doubt and uses that acceptance to help others change themselves for the better. With lyrics like, "I don't use what you say as a crutch; I find motivation through your negativity when life becomes too much", fueling the underdogs, there is definitely a message in this track that holds true more effectively than just saying, "keep your head up" or to "stay positive".
Even though these guys make a fairly new band, there is no doubt that The Person I Chose To Be is a stepping stone release for Values that definitely reflects their true potential to make a name for themselves. This is a straightforward and passionate record that gives new light to the meaning of being considered an "easycore" band. Give this record time to sink in and you'll find yourself hooked immediately.
Tracklist:
1. ...Just Getting Warmed Up
2. For What It's Worth
3. Knives
4. If You're A Bird, I'm A Bird
5. The Person I Chose To Be
6. Stay Posi, Bro
RIYL: New Found Glory, Four Year Strong, I Call Fives, Major League
Rating:
Written by Ryan McGrath
