When it comes to non-mainstream acts, it’s hard to get noticed. One will just simply not find their favorite independent artist(s) on the radio. Instead, they will have to resort to the Internet to discover a bunch of cool new sounds that they might have thought were lost in country music. When it comes to underrated independent bands, one of the most noticeable underdogs (does that make sense?) is American Aquarium. They’ve worked hard to get where they are, and finally got noticed by their 2012 Jason Isbell produced album, Burn, Flicker, Die. Now that we are in 2015, American Aquarium are still out there and have just released another song from their highly acclaimed 2015 album, Wolves (which, if you want my quick thoughts on, is excellent). “Losing Side Of Twenty-Five” is definitely a song that captures that underdog persona, and is easily relatable to anyone who feels like giving up.
The country-rock number tells of a man who is twenty-five years old and is stuck in a rut. His friends are all growing up and getting married and have all found successful jobs while he is still a struggling musician. It stings him a little bit that he’s not where he wants to be but he keeps trying anyway, despite everyone telling him to give up and pursue another dream. It’s a tune that anyone can relate to, as I’m sure we all have had those moments in our life where we feel like giving up.
Like I stated before, the song incorporates a blend of country and rock to mold into a very cool and unique sound. The only problem I might have with the song is that the band’s lead singer, BJ Barham sounds a little flat in places where there should be energy. Of course, one might read this as a sign of his troubles being too much for him, which is why he sounds tired.
“Losing Side Of Twenty-Five” doesn’t really capture an anthemic sound, but it does capture a message like that. It’s easy to relate to and comes from the heart, and is another prime example of why American Aquarium is one of independent country’s most underrated bands.
Grade: A-
Listen: “Losing Side Of Twenty-Five”
Author: Zackary Kephart
The country-rock number tells of a man who is twenty-five years old and is stuck in a rut. His friends are all growing up and getting married and have all found successful jobs while he is still a struggling musician. It stings him a little bit that he’s not where he wants to be but he keeps trying anyway, despite everyone telling him to give up and pursue another dream. It’s a tune that anyone can relate to, as I’m sure we all have had those moments in our life where we feel like giving up.
Like I stated before, the song incorporates a blend of country and rock to mold into a very cool and unique sound. The only problem I might have with the song is that the band’s lead singer, BJ Barham sounds a little flat in places where there should be energy. Of course, one might read this as a sign of his troubles being too much for him, which is why he sounds tired.
“Losing Side Of Twenty-Five” doesn’t really capture an anthemic sound, but it does capture a message like that. It’s easy to relate to and comes from the heart, and is another prime example of why American Aquarium is one of independent country’s most underrated bands.
Grade: A-
Listen: “Losing Side Of Twenty-Five”
Author: Zackary Kephart
