"With 'Elsewhere,' listeners will absolutely feel like they’re in a different place whether physically, mentally or emotionally while experiencing something new with Set It Off."
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Awesome
By Bruna Cucolo
Recommended songs: “Projector,” “Dangerous” and “The Magic 8”
Slightly over three years since Midnight, the three-member band Set It Off is prepared to release their next work of art, Elsewhere, with their bright-colored era on March 11. This album is much different in sound than previously — it has a more “cool,” upbeat feel to it, but its lyrics are just as powerful as their past music. Listeners may misinterpret the songs with that feel-good music if they don’t listen to the lyrics and dig just a little for the songs’ meaning. But that’s also what can make music so great, when artists are able to provide more than one feeling through their work.
Listeners will ease their way into Elsewhere’s dimension with the opening track “Skeleton.” The intro music is welcoming yet it sounds a bit contorted, but in a good way. Vocalist Cody Carson then introduces the vulnerability that he’ll present through the next several tunes as this song begins with the chorus. This invites others to feel vulnerable alongside him while listening, creating a deeper connection to the band, something so special between a fan and musicians. Between the different tempos of the verses, choruses, and bridge, “Skeleton” is an honest previous to the rest of the album.
As the record goes on, listeners will find familiar elements from the band’s previous work such as the members’ musical styles while also the experimenting of different ones, their energy, and the ability to entertain with strong messages throughout their songs. “Cut Off” is a fantastic example of this. A catchier song but with a sassy attitude including from the instruments, this balance is something new for them. The ending lyrics of “Yeah, I’m good” comes across as being done with someone, something many have felt before toward a person.
Some songs are more relatable than others of course but Set It Off seems to do a wonderful job with speaking their truth pretty clear for fans to understand their message. Such as “Who’s In Control,” there’s an unknown about who is controlling the singer’s life. Not knowing this is scary, and often people have wondered if they are in control of their lives. The song goes into more of this, though, and it’s up to the listener to interpret its meaning for themselves.
From calling someone out on their habits in “Cordial” to exposing a person in “Peekaboo” to everything in between, there’s a want to scream along to the tunes, maybe thinking of someone. The album is great when it comes to giving others the opportunity to let feelings out through these songs whether in the listener’s bedroom or in car with the windows rolled down — it’s almost if not therapeutic.
Ending with “Better Than This,” the band gets soft with their sound. An apology or some sort of love letter to someone, this one is more sentimental. There’s no better way to end this album than revealing the want to work things out with a special person. The line “I got to get my shit together and love you better” shows the desire of bettering oneself and doing so is such a strong trait in someone. So, if you ever want something to scream along to or are interested in a piece of work that sounds lively but with a twist of a little bit of darker lyrics here and there, then this 16-track album needs to be streamed or played on a record or CD player. These new Set It Off songs also make for an incredible nighttime drive as their blasted through car speakers. With Elsewhere, listeners will absolutely feel like they’re in a different place whether physically, mentally or emotionally while experiencing something new with the band.
