Meatbag - Self Titled
Out of the millions of fans, we aren't the type to listen to an entire album in a single go. There is a certain appreciation of how some songs grow on you. Though Meatbag's self-titled acoustic album is that and more. It's short, sweet, to the point, and gives the feel of a personal set for your ears only. Meatbag presents as a letter to the self and one's inner child to keep the creative fire alive while enduring a cold world where some of the most persistent threats are yourself. There isn't a single bad track on the album. Running just under thirty-minutes and comprised of eleven tracks, we were left feeling recharged with a gentle kind reminder to care for yourself while coping with internal struggles.
Meatbag starts strong with "IMPOSTER!" which sets the tone for the rest of the album. Some will feel the familiar sting of anxiety and self-doubt. Having personally asked Meatbag how he battles performance anxiety, the answer of "just do it" was underwhelming at first. "IMPOSTER!" feels like it expounds upon that question with context and honesty. Accepting the responsibility that we can be our harshest critic that we all must fight past.
From there, it feels that the album covers a gambit of heavy emotions while expressing lived perseverance. "In Another World" shows the selfish nature of the music scene while "Chin Up, Sailor" soothes with a gentle strumming of self-care from internal turmoil. Meatbag's acoustic album becomes an insight into what feels like a deep personal struggle that may be reaching its conclusion.
Each track flows into the next such that even the tracks with a complete and clear ending are just a natural pause for the next in queue. "Forget You" carries the stress of relationships into "Letter Go." Still putting everything on the table for any to witness, Meatbag sings of how relationships weather and fray. Broadening the scope, "Stuck" introduces the external elements that have many trapped within economic stress. It's a low portion of the album that is the core of ideas express throughout by Meatbag.
"Cloud Catcher" breaks from this loop in persistent struggle leading to remorse and presents as not only a love song but a pivotal life experience. Sounding lighter with more of a bouncy beat, Meatbag shares his appreciation of support. Even though many signs of the previous interpersonal conflict is present, "Cloud Catcher" echoes the support back to those who've impacted the artist most that flows into "Northview" in which a peace is expressed when surrounded by loved ones.
"Waste of Life" starts bringing the album to a close. Yet not before a resounding call to action by Meatbag. Time and the world waits for no one. Though with our limited resources, we can persevere to something greater. "Fiendix" sums up the pain and progress illustrated throughout the album with a broader conflict of survival. Surviving in a big city that can make one feel isolated in spite of its crowd density; Meatbag's anthem to the lost and ignored. The album ends on a bouncier vibe. Covering "You've Got A Friend In Me," feels less of an homage but a genuine message to the fans. To stick together and see it through. Listening to it feels like that precious moment the vocalist is looking at you out of a sea of bodies.
Meatbag's self-titled acoustic album still plays rent-free in our heads. Not only has this album been a personal motivator, but matches the drive we wish to bring to the local music scene. Meatbag released just before the new year and carries the humility as well as persistence we can all hope to bring into 2025.
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