Stay Inside Today

Hey there, beautiful souls! It is Finetuned Wednesday. Now is the time to sit back, read a bit about some music, listen to said music, and find a moment of solace in this escape. Life is a bit of a twist and turn, but that’s part of its beauty. I digress, this week is all about Elder Brother. Strap in for some alternative emo from some kick-ass musicians!

Who Are Elder Brother?

Elder Brother is an alternative rock band formed by Kevin Geyer (guitarist of The Story So Far) and Dan Rose (vox of Daybreaker) back in 2014. A duo at their inception, the band has since expanded to include bassist Morgan Foster and drummer/keyboardist Evan Garcia-Renart. They have released several albums over the years, including "Heavy Head" (2014), "Stay Inside" (2018), and "I Won't Fade On You" (2020). Their music blends elements of alternative rock and pop punk, showcasing their diverse influences and collaborative songwriting. Their sound makes a lot of sense when you look at the founding member’s bands (TSSF and Daybreaker).

What To Expect Sonically

While they are alternative emo/rock and this could be polarizing to some, they have a very approachable sound with little distortion. A lot of the guitar riffs are those that “just make sense” coupled with a solid backbeat that provides a level of familarity. With that said, where I think this band shines bright is in the bass department. The bass lines in this album are so well executed and deliver such a strong performance, which in turn gives the release a bunch of depth & substance.

When you combine the incredible bass lines with the super raw tonality in the album it makes this listen a relatable experience. I would compare Dan’s voice to Death Cab For Cutie’s vox. More than just that, a lot of the soundscapes presented in DCFC’s tunes can be felt in Elder Brother’s music across the board, which is super awesome. The juxtaposition of this sound with their emo-leaning melodies/lyrics makes for a delightful listen, all the while not being too explorative sonically.

Stay Inside & Listen To This

The rec for them more specifically is in their 2018 record “Stay Inside”. Lyrically, it delves into complex emotions tied to their own mental health, substance abuse (like in the song Sway), interpersonal relationships, and the process of navigating life’s challenges. The album often adopts a raw and personal tone as I touched on above, offering their listeners an honest glimpse into the thoughts and feelings of its creators. To dive a bit deeper, let’s look at some of the key thematic highlights of "Stay Inside" below:

1. Mental Health and Self-Reflection: The lyrics discuss feelings of anxiety, depression, and the ways individuals cope with internal battles. This includes the push-and-pull between wanting to heal and feeling stuck in destructive patterns.

2. Loneliness and Isolation: As the title suggests, the record reflects on the metaphorical and literal act of "staying inside" — withdrawing from the world and confronting one’s inner demons.

3. Growth and Acceptance: While the album focuses on darker subjects, there’s also an undercurrent of personal growth and the search for meaning, suggesting a glimmer of hope in working through life’s hardships.

This record has a blend of melancholic vibes yet uplifting tones and its confessional-type lyrics resonate deeply with those navigating similar struggles (like me), making it both intimate and relatable.

Thanks for reading here, Finetuners! I do hope you all have enjoyed this week’s Finetuned. I’d appreciate any insights, admiration, or otherwise. You can reply to the newsletter directly or DM me on Twitter. (or email me here: [email protected])

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See you all in the next one! 🙌