Recommended Tracks: “Cheekbones,” “Nobody Told Me,” “Corner of Your Mind”
Artists You Might Like: The Home Team, Broadside, Honey Revenge
After releasing the first half of their sophomore album in May, Arrows in Action have finally completed I Think I’ve Been Here Before with the release of Side B.
The Nashville pop-rock trio, consisting of Victor Viramontes-Pattison (vocals/guitar), Matthew Fowler (guitar), and Jesse Frimmel (drums), grapples with nostalgia and facing reality throughout the album’s distinct 11 tracks on their first full-length release via Nettwerk Music Group.
Side A saw Arrows in Action in their usual light-hearted, upbeat nature, with tracks like “Feel It Again,” “Celebration” and “Hello Sunlight!” featuring a brighter and more danceable sound. With Side B, they found themselves exploring a darker, more mature side of the band that they hadn’t yet unlocked. In an interview with Melodic Magazine, Viramontes-Pattison shares,
“The idea of the album cover being a lighthouse is that it’s something that you either return to for something good or it’s something that is trying to keep you from something bad. So it’s kind of talking about both of those sides of nostalgia and familiarity being a double-edged sword. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad.”
“Empty Canvas” was the first official single from the second half of I Think I’ve Been Here Before, which was released alongside the album’s announcement in June. The track captures the infectious energy of romantic infatuation complete with lively guitars and a sultry saxophone riff. The trio playfully details the desire to catch the interest of someone else after falling head over heels with passionate lyrics and a catchy chorus.
While “Empty Canvas” served as the lead single for this half of the record, “Cheekbones” was the first real taste of the darker side of Arrows in Action. Released last year just in time for Halloween, the viral track is one of the catchiest and sonically different efforts in the trio’s discography. “Cheekbones” is another attempt at grasping with complete infatuation and obsessive tendencies over a romantic partner. Its magnetic production and addictive hook are just two elements that make this song one of the most exciting moments on I Think I’ve Been Here Before.
If you’ve ever found yourself in a low-maintenance, high-intensity situationship, Arrows in Action have the perfect song for you with “Corner of Your Mind.” The song features a laid-back, groovy instrumental with infectious guitar riffs and a stand-out showcase of Viramontes-Pattison’s lower register. The band previously shared,
“This one is a quintessential ‘situationship’ song, but it’s one where you’re okay being on the back burner. You prefer it that way because of how many times you’ve been on that front burner, and it burst into flames. You want all the simple pleasures and none of the complex issues, but it never stays that way.”
Arrows in Action share the most vulnerable and introspective moment on the record with “Nobody Told Me.” The song stands as a stunning representation of growing older and the emotional weight that comes with it. The trio tackles feelings of self-doubt, anxiety and despair as Viramontes-Pattison laments, “Mother, oh Father / Have I fallen farther? / My mind won’t stop racing / my head’s underwater” in its chorus. “Nobody Told Me” is an honest, unguarded embodiment of the loneliness and complex emotions that plague the mind as life goes on. The bridge is another stellar aspect of this track, with an emotional vocal performance from Viramontes-Pattison and a soaring, cinematic instrumental.
“Stay Awake” closes I Think I’ve Been Here Before with a positively desperate attempt to remain hopeful despite life’s obstacles. The band emphasizes the importance of connection for survival, with lyrics like “Stay awake with me / ‘Cause I don’t want to lose my everything” and “Dancing in the acid rain / Invincible in your embrace.” The production on “Stay Awake” is the most upbeat and bouncy of the second half that feels like a striking full-circle moment from Side A.
I Think I’ve Been Here before is a beautifully cathartic album that encompasses chasing the past while simultaneously looking ahead to the future. Arrows in Action deliver a stunning demonstration of their personal and artistic growth through every element of their sophomore effort. They use nostalgia as motivation for the future, instead of punishing themselves with what’s familiar. I Think I’ve Been Here Before sees Arrows in Action define themselves as one of the most exciting acts in the pop-rock scene with their vulnerability and sonic evolution.
Arrows in Action will be holding special album release events in Nashville and New York City over the weekend that will include an acoustic performance and meet and greet with the band. The trio will also be hitting the road as support for The Home Team on their entirely sold-out fall tour. Entry for the album release shows is free and more information can be found here.
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