Photo By: Jack Burnett
Life acts like a pendulum, swinging from one extreme to another under the momentum created by its own ebbs and flows. The highs and lows become an integral part of our entire experience. As part of his new, four song EP, “Songs That Make My Friends Cry,” singer-songwriter Ash Dodd delves into some of life’s messy and challenging parts before discovering newfound hope and optimism.
Interpersonal and internal struggles respectively define the opening duo of “Memories” and “Like You.” Within “Memories,” there’s not only both sides of the story about a relationship, but a significant depth thanks to Hana Luiz illustrating a new voice. Amidst a wistful soundscape, Dodd argues “when you’re like this, I’m talking to myself” while Luiz counters “when I’m like this, I’m a danger to myself,” providing an emotional contrast. Altogether, the shared sentiment of “Memories” is the difficulty of moving on.
Highlighted by plucky acoustics and symphonic strings, “Like You” highlights a tendency for self-destruction. “Never one to run from fights, he was burned by his gaslight” refers to living on an emotional hair trigger, ready to be engaged by the next slight. Furthermore, “feels it underneath his skin…the voices screaming ‘let me in’ or out” speaks to a life channeled through anger.
However, between the final pairing of “Always You” and “Make It Last” the overarching theme is a fresh outlook on life. As far as “Always You” goes, it evolves into a sweeping ballad about having found the missing piece of the puzzle in your life. By the end, Dodd expresses how boundless his love feels to him.
Finally, the free and easy, carouseling aesthetic of “Make It Last” wraps up on a note of making a resolution. Nothing quite so wishful thinking as what one proposes for New Year’s. Instead, it’s about not letting a positive epiphany pass right on by without a second thought. Altogether, “Make It Last” is about resolving to live more open to possibility.
Written by Travis Boyer
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