Album Review: X Ambassadors Duel With Demons At “Orion”
Listening to X Ambassadors new record, Orion, I was pleasantly surprised by their slight change in sound. It was as if somebody added lemon to their soda. Specifically, they added a Western swag to their pop-rocks anthems that makes this album feel like good ol’ fashion duel with love and inner peace.
Melodically, tracks like, “Hey Child,” “Shadow,” and “Quicksand” feel like the steps you take before you draw your weapon. This dynamic is not far off considering the vibe of X Ambassadors style and the themes of many of their songs. From “Confidence Feat. K.Flay” to “I Don’t Know How To Pray,” every track promotes the pain of fighting your demons/ insecurities. There is a combativeness to their verses that captures how a person can feel wrong and wronged, all at once. This capacity makes the record enthralling and their best yet. Songs such as, “Hold You Down” and “Boom” felt like the pop catharsis, currently, hitting radio waves.
Like the world, pop music is transitioning in themes to include subjects like, mental health, self-love, forgiveness, and redemption. Basically, all the ingredients to empowering yourself. With this in mind, Sam Harris voice feels like an emotional companion. He is both your guardian and guide; singing to the fear a person can carry at believing they will always be afraid. When do you submit to the love you have? When do you heal from self-loathing you carry? It is amazing how long someone can stay sad while every day praying and realizing they need to be happy. Harris’ vocals are so raw and charmingly coarse that he can come off like both a “cry for help” and a “helping hand.”
Orion is a great record because it bridges mainstream and indie. It feels unique and alternative, while brazenly heading for those mainstream, pop radio sing-alongs. Its hooks and verses aim for the heart of listeners and their desire to belt out their feelings. You can’t beat that! X Ambassadors’ Orion comes out June 14. Click Here To Buy!
