Review by Shannon Shumaker
For fans of Motion City Soundtrack, it will be impossible not to compare Justin Courtney Pierre’s debut solo album to the band’s work over their nearly 20-year career, but thankfully, In The Drink takes a step away from the sounds that most listeners are familiar with in favor of something new and exciting. Rather than following in the footsteps of Motion City Soundtrack, In The Drink finds Pierre experimenting with warm, gritty instrumentals, indie-pop anthems and some darker punk-influenced sounds. The result feels like an exciting new chapter for Pierre.
Although In The Drink marks a change in sound for those who are familiar with Pierre’s previous work, the lyrical content will certainly hit home with long-time fans. Throughout the entirety of In The Drink, Pierre continues to express himself with the honest, poetic lyricism that fans have come to know and love. This begins with the mellow opener, “Undone,” and continues throughout songs like the straightforward, “I Don’t Know Why She Ran Away” and the emotional track, “Moonbeam.”
Just when the album threatens to fall into similar songwriting patterns and repetitive sounds, Pierre shakes things up, too. The contrast between “Moonbeam” and the explosive, “Ready Player One” might take a moment to adjust to, but it couldn’t arrive at a more perfect time. “Ready Player One” is gritty and a little unhinged and messy, driven by strong bass work and upbeat guitar.
The great thing about In The Drink is the way it balances maturity with uncertainty. Those who have grown up with Justin Courtney Pierre’s music will find comfort in songs like, “I’m A Liar,” which finds him still struggling to find his path in life, and the confident “Shoulder The Weight”. In The Drink not only arrives at a perfect time of the year, sure to keep listeners warm throughout fall and winter, but also a perfect time in Pierre’s musical career, making for an incredibly fresh and honest release.
LISTEN TO: “I’m A Liar”
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