Music review: Echosmith – 鈥楲onely Generation鈥�
Echosmith鈥檚 鈥淟onely Generation鈥� is an intimate detailing of what it鈥檚 like navigating life in an age when social media and modern technology dominate the majority of our time. Instead of bringing us closer, screen time has replaced face-to-face time, leaving an entire generation more isolated and disconnected than ever.
鈥淲e鈥檙e the lonely generation/A pixelated version of ourselves/Empty conversations/I鈥檝e disconnected, now I鈥檓 by myself,鈥� declares lead singer Sydney Sierota on the title track that opens the California trio鈥檚 sophomore effort.
Sierota鈥檚 vocals add a vulnerable sophistication to the 12 tracks that demonstrate the band鈥檚 musical maturity since the 2013 debut release of 鈥淭alking Dreams.鈥�
鈥淪hut Up and Kiss Me鈥� sounds as if it came off a Taylor Swift album with its straightforward message about being direct about your feelings when you discover that special someone who captures your heart.
鈥淐racked鈥� is a passionate confessional that recognizes it鈥檚 okay to hurt, have flaws and be damaged as Sierota sings, 鈥淚 know that I may be cracked, but I let the light in/If you want the best of me, get to know the hurt I鈥檓 hiding.鈥� This track brings to mind 鈥淯nwell鈥� from Matchbox Twenty鈥檚 third album, 鈥淢ore Than You Think You Are.鈥� While we all carry some baggage and display scars, unconditional love can erase the loneliness and provide a sense of identity and purpose during difficult times.
鈥淓veryone Cries鈥� is a gorgeous piano ballad that features Noah Sierota joining his sister on a duet about being a comforter to the heartbroken and most vulnerable. Displaying hints of Alison Krauss, Sydney鈥檚 vocal performance on this number makes it the signature track of the album. Loneliness never sounded so beautiful.
Tracks like 鈥淒iamonds,鈥� 鈥淪tuck鈥� and 鈥淟ove You Better鈥� add an infectious spark to the coming-of-age set with delightful hints of synth-pop sleekness.
The album closes with a tender profession of love. 鈥淚 Don鈥檛 Wanna Lose My Love鈥� spotlights that moment when you discover the soulmate that completes your existence.
鈥淲e鈥檙e burning bright and it fills up the room,鈥� softly sings Sierota. The arrangement鈥檚 innocence is a refreshing reminder of how love can truly change the world.
Echosmith will perform at Cleveland鈥檚 Beachland Ballroom on Feb. 18.