Siddo. – Romantic Rehab
Buffalo indie-punk phenomenon, Starjuice, have been making a name for themselves on many o’ local bills as well as a recent tour across the country.
Despite their busy gig schedule and multiple releases under their belt, lead singer Sidney Flanigan has been releasing quality solo acoustic folk-punk material on the low. You can find these on Bandcamp under the name, Siddo., as well as a couple other previous monikers which she references there. Her latest release Romantic Rehab is comprised of four excellently written songs about hopeless romanticism, learning to move on from those who hurt us and trusting loved ones who care.
The first song, “Smoking Cessation” compares quitting a cigarette addiction to leaving behind a broken relationship in the most heartbreaking manner. The song basks in understated indie-folk sadness before building to an emotional outburst with Flanigan’s raspy punk vocals on full display. The short yet satisfying song quickly burns out just like the final cigs and unsavable relationship that the songwriter craves.
The recording for this EP is stripped back and much of the project sounds like first takes, perfectly capturing the genuine energy and emotions within each song. At times, you can even hear Flanigan’s voice crack on the more personal lyrics.
“Walk It Off” ties together Romantic Rehab’s folk and punk influences effectively in its tasteful combination of a quiet fiddle part and her usual alternative-style songwriting.
The following, “Untied Shoes,” is the folkiest tune and the project’s standout. The adorably specific lyrics strike the song’s soft beginning like a first kiss.
“You’re the one that I wanna tell when I’ve got good news / And I’m the tattoo pointed out when you’ve got untied shoes”
It’s a sweet song about someone who makes you feel like you’re in a teenage fantasy even after you’ve known each other for years.
The final song “Count On It,” is one for both lovers and friends. It’s an acoustic loyalty anthem about sticking with someone through thick and thin. This song makes for the perfect heartwarming closer to this short but incredibly sweet release.
Check out Romantic Rehab on Bandcamp below.
Categorised in: Album of the Week
This post was written by Jordan Budd