SONG REVIEW - The Inside Out’s “Good Times”
Madison Imlay - @madison_imlay
I had the honor of getting to listen to a new single from the band The Inside Out. They are an alt/indie band based out of Shelton, CT; and have released singles in the past. Their newest, "Good Times" released on June 28th and while I am late to the party, I am honored to review it.
James Howard, John Landino, Andi Wright and Zach Stout have joined forces to create this band and after learning a bit about them, they're ones you want to keep an eye out for; They are very well-seasoned musicians with three members of the band having formally studied audio engineering and the other having been around music their whole life. They have incorporated influences from artists such as Brand New and Modest Mouse. They have released a debut album already titled "No brains No blood" and had a quite successful single that followed last year, "Mr. Arrogant". The band is now working on their forthcoming album which is set to release later this year, but the focus for this review will be their latest single, "Good Times".
Good Times: A Review
Overall, the song gives a very summer-time, upbeat vibe. It has very flowy lyrics, almost reminiscent of Mumford and Sons mixed with a very pop driven melody. If I could put to words how it makes me feel, I would say it reminds me of a song I'd hear cruising around town; a feel-good vibe that just puts joy instantly into your mood.
The listeners’ attention is immediately drawn with a catchy guitar riff and the first verse. It talks about having good times with others, making memories and just not taking life too seriously. These "Good Times" that are the focus are ones that many can relate to; moreso with the vibe of the song. It is a song perfect for summer, that speaks of special memories that are often made during just that time. The carefree, reminiscent moments; the emotions and relationships that can both be developed and crushed; the couple months of bliss that also can sometimes be ones of regret. Overall, I think the song is meant to transport ones mind back to those moments and it does an incredible job.
James Howard, the lead singer of the band had this to say: "Good Times is a song I wrote in 2018 about two main ideas. First, the sarcastic feelings of negative events and relationships, and second, the fact that those moments are also good when they are and when they're not, and that's okay. You just need to take a breath, be patient, don't overthink everything and enjoy the ride of life, one moment at a time."
After reading this quote, the song transformed even more for me. After re-listening, knowing the thought behind it when it was written is really enlightening; I think it is a concept we all should embrace. Instead of counting all negative moments in our life as just that, you can instead take them as a lesson and use them as a valuable asset into moving into more positive or "Good Times".
"Speaking to the value of taking life as it comes and appreciating every experience for what it is, whether it is positive or negative, "Good Times" captures the boundless freedom often associated with the summer months in its vibrant arrangement, making it perfect for dancing, spending carefree nights out with friends, and for reflecting on old memories while making new ones."
As an indie fan myself, this was a band I really found myself liking; their music has the perfect vibe to it and I think they could really make a difference in the indie game! I highly recommend everyone to go check out their socials, stay updated and keep your eye out for more music coming soon.
