Review by Dom Vigil
Don’t Let Go, the new album from Dear Seattle feels like growing up. Spearheaded by emotive vocals, personal lyricism and songwriting that rides the line between 90’s and modern pop-punk, Don’t Let Go verges on nostalgic while connecting with just about any listener, no matter where they are in life.
Opening track, “When I’m Gone” is a bittersweet introduction for those who might be listening to Dear Seattle for the first time, as it finds vocalist Brae Fisher saying farewell to a toxic relationship. And if that’s not enough to hook you, then the second track, “Maybe” will. Chronicling the struggle of finding one’s place in life, “Maybe” manages to make light of a rather difficult struggle in a way that’ll have you singing along by the time it comes to an end. It’s blunt, honest and personal, but most importantly, it’s relatable. If you’ve ever second guessed yourself or questioned what you’re meant to do, then “Maybe” is the song for you, and the following tracks on Don’t Let Go will surely resonate with you.
Lyrically, some of the strongest songs on the album come later on, too. The emotional “Homegrown” is all about one’s vices, struggling with self-medication and finding oneself. “Try” is similar in this aspect as well, but thankfully, there are uplifting and positive songs like the final track, “I Keep Dreaming” to even things out, as well.
Aside from the lyrical content, one of the strongest aspects of Don’t Let Go is easily Dear Seattle’s ability to write a fun to listen to album while further establishing their sound. These eleven songs are dynamic, ranging from the massive anthem, “Daytime TV” to “Homegrown,” which is one of the darker songs on the album. While they don’t necessarily stray from the upbeat, nostalgic pop-punk sound that they’ve crafted for themselves, the band does do a great job of writing captivating songs. The album never once feels stagnant or boring, even if it doesn’t feature wild sound changes in between songs – it’s actually quite refreshing.
As a whole, Don’t Let Go feels like a coming of age tale. These eleven songs are about figuring out life and coming to terms with the fact that it’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out. With an incredibly timeless sound, Don’t Let Go promises to give listeners comfort and understanding for years to come and serves as a spectacular debut full-length from Dear Seattle.
LISTEN TO “When I’m Gone” or “Daytime TV”
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