EP REVIEW :: TRUE LIONS - "You're Not Invited"
True Lions - “You’re Not Invited”
Self-released by True Lions (digitally) November 30th, 2019.
“You’re not invited to listen to True Lion’s charming new EP, “You’re Not Invited.” And this is a party you definitely don’t want to miss.
“Birthday Party” kicks off with slow plucks of the guitar emulating your friends gradually making their way into your living room. As if singing happy birthday, warm lyrics pour in, rich enough to fill the whole room. Vibrant instrumentation knocks on your door gifting you with a reliable shaker, smooth enthralling saxophone, and a sweet synth to help you start this next year off right. Everyone you hoped is there. And the person you don’t want there isn't. Why? Because they weren't “invited.” And you know what? “The party is sweeter” without them. That’s okay. It’s your party and your life and you can invite whomever you want.
Ending on a happy note, the second song “Wind Flirter” is eager to light your candles. An airy musicality ensues, gusts of graceful strings float in on waves of romanticism. The cloud-like melody is juxtaposed with turbulent fair-weather feelings from the one you thought could bear the storm. Windswept, you now realize they “only love [you] when the weather is nice.'' Let the wind carry them away. It’s time to find someone who wants to hold the umbrella for you.
Sugar-coated strings fade out as the track comes to a close and seamlessly leads into the bouncy tone propelling “Life of Gold.” Percussion spurs “these thoughts” that “come and go.” All you want is someone who wants to “[share] all our time.” However you question: “but who has the time?” You blow out your candles “dreaming of a life of gold and fame.” Don’t worry, your wish will come true. You’ll find someone who will make time- because you deserve that.
Self-reliant synth introduces the final track “Your Name.” Confident vocals take charge and address you are in control. With words wrapped in independence, you tell them: “You can’t intimidate me”, “You don’t own me”, “You can’t humiliate me.” A sax solo arrives, tying a bow and knotting an end to their presence in your life. As the song slowly fades out, you feel content, happy to be able to cut your own cake.
This EP throws one heck of a shindig. Grab a piece of cake and enjoy the party.”
GO TO THE RELEASE SHOW (11/30 @ miniBar w/ Dreamgirl, Hadiza, & Black Creatures)
Review by ::
Skylar Rochelle
Manor Co-Organizer & Blog Editor
Manor Records gives 100% of article author rights to Skylar Rochelle.
True Lions - “You’re Not Invited” Album Art