Picturesque’s ‘Do You Feel O.K.?’ is the future of alt rock (Album Review)

Haunting melodies, creative rhythms, heavy guitars, and moving themes blur the lines of genre in the best way.

[Photo via: Equal Vision Records/artists/Picturesque]

Kentucky-based quartet Picturesque aimed to impress with their 2020 album, Do You Feel O.K.?.

The band released the LP via Equal Vision Records in April of this year, describing their work as “straight fuego… the best record to come out in a millennia.” It’s this energy, passion, and pride, along with the album’s experimental nature and genre-blending elements, that give this innovative record staying power in the alt scene.

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7 Go Radio songs that will restore your faith in love

Romance peaked with “Goodnight Moon.” But have you heard the rest of these tender-hearted tunes?

[Photo via: Go Radio/Instagram]

The year is 2020, and Go Radio are back together and releasing new music. While the world showed major love for the band’s 2010 hit “Goodnight Moon,” a lot of their other music has flown under the radar of even the most involved pop punk fans. “Goodnight Moon” is a well-admired representation of Go Radio at their most romantic, but it’s not the only time that the band have conveyed a lasting message about love.

Video: Go Radio talks “Goodnight Moon,” “Say It Again,” and the future!

Let’s take a look at the top seven most romantic Go Radio tunes:

7. “That California Song”

This passionate Go Radio deep cut takes us back to the early days of the band. Vocalist Jason Lancaster’s pure desperation can be heard in this raw demo, as his young, unpolished voice cuts through wailing guitars and grandiose drums. The words take us through the small moments of intimacy and the overarching sorrows of a long-distance relationship, and makes us root for love above all else.

Standout mushy lyric: “And how’d this summer air just get so cold? / And how’d this quiet girl just get so bold? / And how can she be something I can hold?”

6. “I Miss You”

Another early step for the band, this emotional track creates an atmosphere of comfort and fear, of love and of the obstacles that get in the way. Speaking once again of missing someone special, Lancaster yells passionately into a chorus of group vocals and rhythmic guitar. The lyrics convey that he believes he and this person truly belong together, even as they experience a rough patch.

Standout mushy lyric: “And pray / Wherever you are / That this is the night / And this is the girl that I’ll love all my life / And this is the song that she’s waiting for”

5. “Collide”

A sugar rush in the album that saw the temporary end of Go Radio, “Collide” radiates happiness and romance. The spirited backing vocals accentuate an upbeat tale of two people who beautifully complement one another. The overall message of this song is that if we care deeply for the people we love, everything else will fall into place.

Standout mushy lyric: “I hope to everything you never release / This hold you have on me / Where there’s your signature on every piece / Of my heart that there could be”

4. “Worth It All the While”

This dynamic jam from the deluxe edition of Lucky Street takes us on a ride with its driving drum beats and persistent guitar riff. Similar to “Collide,” the lyrics deliver the message that if you wholeheartedly believe in your love (“scream just a little bit louder”), then you can defy all obstacles. The verses wrap us up in vivid visuals of small, romantic moments, like sharing notes and secrets, while the chorus affirms that this love is big enough to remember forever.

Standout mushy lyric: “It’s you and me forever and I’m sure / We’re worth fighting for”

3. “Letters and Love Notes”

A dreamy snapshot of the EP that brought us “Goodnight Moon,” “Letters and Love Notes” is a sentimental peek into a love that feels almost like a fairytale. Lyrically, the track is more simple and less enveloped in metaphors than other releases by the band, but no less powerful. The passion and heart of this track shines through in Lancaster’s plea for “a happy ending” with the person he loves.

Standout mushy lyric: “And I’m staying up all night again / Writing songs about where and when / I could hold you ’til you rest your head to sleep”

2. “It’s Not a Trap, I Promise”

Another starry-eyed track from Do Overs and Second Chances, “It’s Not a Trap, I Promise” combines intense electric guitars, tight drum beats, and a tiny twinkle to convey a message of deep admiration. The lyrics talk about a woman who radiates warmth and beauty but struggles to find these qualities in herself. The amount of care and adoration exuded through this song’s gorgeously crafted metaphors and small observations reminds us that even on our worst days, the right partner will see us for our best qualities.

Standout mushy lyric: “She keeps the sun for all of Florida in her jacket / And then she laughs ’cause I don’t think she knows she has it”

1. “The Truth Is”

It would be a challenge to find an alt rock song more deeply romantic than “The Truth Is.”

The penultimate track of 2011’s Lucky Street takes the number one spot on this list for its representation of mature, committed, unconditional love. It combines the fairytale-like idealism of “Letters and Love Notes,” the beautifully worded metaphors of “It’s Not a Trap, I Promise,” and the earnest softness and vulnerability of “Goodnight Moon” to wrap us in a blanket of unwavering affection. The piano- and string-heavy composition builds in intensity as it progresses, blossoming at the end into a gorgeous medley of group harmonies, light drums, and Lancaster’s passionate chorus. The nontraditional structure of the song takes us from verse to verse and from chorus to chorus in a way that feels natural as it builds from the imagery of soft, affectionate daydreams into the declaration that this person is “the one.” This monumental track makes for the perfect soundtrack to weddings and proposals due to its message of true love that will stand the test of time.

Not to be dramatic, but this song invented romance.

Standout mushy lyric: “Cause on the list of everything I need / There’s air but first there’s you and me”

So there you have it. Seven more tracks to fill you with the lovey-dovey warmth that “Goodnight Moon” brought into our lives a decade ago. Dedicate these tracks to your partner, to your future, or to yourself. And if you’re still itching to re-experience the magic of Goodnight Moon, here it is:

5 ways Set It Off put fans first

The Tallahassee trio knows exactly how to keep fans “Happy All the Time.”

In this growing technological era, musicians have tons of new ways to connect with fans. The digital age has helped listeners personalize their experiences by selecting and sharing their favorite content at the press of a button. But in a time period where mere seconds online can make a full impression, artists are asking a new question: What are the best ways to keep fans invested?

Florida-based rock band Set It Off have found the answer. The 2019 winners of Rock Sound’s Fan Power Award have mastered the art of creating and cultivating a dedicated fanbase. Since 2008, the band have taken advantage of social media and live shows to redefine the relationship between musicians and fans.

Video: Set It Off – Lonely Dance (Official Music Video)

If you’re looking for an example of how to satisfy a growing fanbase, look no further. Here are the top 5 ways Set It Off have put fans first.

1. Addressing fans by name

If you’ve followed Set It Off for a while, you may have picked up on their love of all things personal. From frontman Cody Carson’s passionate speeches onstage, to playing board games with fans, the band regularly shows their commitment to making memorable experiences. But what truly sets this band apart? They know their fans’ names.

In 2016, Set It Off was featured on the Bus Invaders Youtube series for the third time. While the whole 8-minute video gives us a good look into the band’s personalities and touring habits, one part in particular stands out. When singer Cody Carson and drummer Maxx Danziger show the camera a piece of art given to them by a fan, they excitedly share her name and Instagram handle as well.

Carson: This is actually a piece of art made by a fan of ours named Jade. Her Instagram is @dreamcatchingjade.
Image description: Carson shows off Set It Off artwork by @dreamcatchingjade on Instagram (GIF)

In addition to small name drops like the one above, the Set It Off have also directly addressed fans many times on their YouTube channel. Watch in their P.O. box and fan voicemails videos as the band receive gifts and messages from fans and thank the senders by name each time.

Additionally, many of the videos on the band’s channel feature a shoutout to an individual fan at the end.

Carson: Shoutout to Megan, thank you so much for watching.
Image description: Set It Off shout out a fan at the end of a YouTube video (GIF)

2. Featuring fans on their YouTube channel

In addition to saying fans’ names online, Set It Off have directly featured fans on their YouTube channel multiple times. 

In February 2015, the band uploaded a special video for their song “Tomorrow.” This tribute to fans features Set It Off “dreamcatchers” talking about what the band means to them, along with meet and greet footage from their tours.

Video: Set It Off – Tomorrow (A Tribute to the Set It Off Dreamcatchers)

In January 2018, the band took to YouTube via livestream to write a song with fans. After gathering lyric suggestions from the comments, they wrote and performed the acoustic “Hourglass Love.”

Later that same year, Set It Off put fans front and center on their channel again when they reacted to YouTube covers of their songs. In this encouraging video, the band gave fans a platform for their art, complimented them on their musical talents, and even recognized one person from their early days as a band.

Carson: This dude was onstage with us, I think it was for Pages and Paragraphs while we were at the Vibe Lounge in New York.
Image description: Carson recalls a fan from an old Set It Off show (GIF)

3. Changing their lineup

In their 12 years as a band, Set It Off have had their share of struggles.

In May of 2015, bassist Austin Kerr was accused of sexual harassment via a statement on Tumblr, and the band made the decision to remove Kerr from the group. In the formal Facebook statement, they explained that the safety and comfort of fans are their number one priority:

However, this was not the only time such accusations impacted the band. Last May, sexual assault allegations surfaced against guitarist Dan Clermont, and the band wasted no time in addressing the matter on their Twitter page. Within two days, Set It Off posted that they would “investigate the matter” and that Clermont would be taking a hiatus from the band. In September 2019, the band officially parted ways with Clermont. 

4. Taking fan feedback for Midnight

The direction of the most recent Set It Off album was influenced by fans. In a 2019 interview with Rock Sound, Carson explained that, in conversations surrounding the development of Midnight, the band heavily considered fans’ preferences. From letting fans vote on which song gets a music video, to selecting singles based on prior success, Set It Off have mastered the art of crafting a crowd-pleasing record.

5. Rescheduling shows

Amidst the growing complications caused by the coronavirus pandemic, music fans everywhere are getting used to concert cancellations. When we receive this disappointing news, we can’t help but mourn the experience that was taken away from us. And while many alt favorites are calling it quits with their scheduled 2020 tours, Set It Off continues to hold out hope.

In a video and three-part explanation on Twitter, Set It Off announced yet another rescheduling of the UK/EU leg of their Midnight World Tour. In this announcement, Carson expressed the band’s sincerest apologies and emphasized that they are as excited for these shows to continue as fans are. And although this news was hard to break, the band added a little humor to the situation by officially renaming the UK/EU section, “Part Four the Love of God Don’t Make Us Reschedule Again.”

From learning names to choosing singles, through lineup changes and rescheduled shows, Set It Off have always prioritized their fans. In making fans a part of everything they do, the band have ensured longevity for themselves and their sound in this evolving musical landscape.

I hope our fans know that we go to bat for them quite a bit. I love that it’s one of the things that we’re becoming known for as a band, that makes me so happy.

Cody Carson for Rock Sound

What do you think of Set It Off’s strategy when it comes to fans? Have they ever acknowledged you personally? Tell your story in the comments down below!

Grayscale host exclusive merch drop, sell out immediately

This limited edition apparel flew off the virtual shelves faster than you can say “Nella Vita.”

[Photo via: Grayscale/Twitter]

Pennsylvania rock band Grayscale released new merch on their website today, and it went fast.

The Philly-based five-piece has been teasing the “sample drop” on their Instagram account since Saturday with photos of assorted Grayscale apparel and accessories. This drop included over 150 unique items, with only one or two of each design available.

The items became available for purchase earlier today at 12pm EST, and heavy site traffic caused technical difficulties for many users.

For the lucky few who were able to snag some of these limited edition items, celebrations were in order.

This unique approach to merchandise is a way that Grayscale regularly set themselves apart from the crowd. In a 2019 interview with Forbes, frontman Collin Walsh said the band wanted to develop “really cool merch that wouldn’t fall apart when you washed it.”

The band’s emphasis on quality and passion for fashion were evident in the elaborate, varied selection of items that fans were dying to get their hands on today.

In addition to dropping new merch, Grayscale have kept their fanbase engaged during this musical dry spell with the release of their EP Live From the Barber Shop Studios. This three-track release comes out tomorrow, and it will feature remastered songs from Grayscale’s most recent album, Nella Vita. Listen to the reimagined version of “Baby Blue” below:

Grayscale – Baby Blue [Reworked] via Grayscale on YouTube

Were you able to get your hands on any of these exclusive items? Which ones do you think Grayscale should keep selling? Comment down below!