Waiting is an aware commentary about humanity. The record from Late Bloomer rolls through difficult subjects with dissonance, immediately present on opening track “Complacency.” The syncopation helps make the bombastic opening that much more effective, charging into the rest of the record’s guitar driven tunes. With a thematic concept centered around dealing with the anxieties of everyday life, this collection of songs has a special presence that is revealed in its depths. New Noise Magazine is pleased to be bringing forth a track by track of Waiting by Late Bloomer, written by Neil Mauney (guitar/vocals) and Josh Robbins (bass/vocals).
Complacency
Neil: Although the story was inspired by watching way too many war movies, the ultimate theme of this song is that we should always strive to be compassionate and empathetic. I don’t know what kind of hell someone may have been through in their life so it’s not my place to tell them to get over it or deal with it. With the current political and social climate in America, it’s more important than ever that we take a step back and consider the hurt others may be carrying. While all these Trumpies are wearing their “fuck your feelings” shirts we have to remind each other, and the rest of the world, that these shitheads don’t define America.
Sleeve
Josh: The song is about the need for men listen to women. It specifically addresses how male songwriters can have a tendency to negatively paint female subjects in their songs without remotely considering that person’s point of view. If we learned to hear the other perspective we wouldn’t be so quick to jump to one-sided negativity.
And also on a personal level it’s about thinking about how I talk to women in my life and how we tend to perceive women in relation to men. It’s easy to go for caricature when we approach “the other” but trying to communicate without resorting to cliches.
It was a treat to have Sarah Blumenthal (of Alright/Faye) sing on the choruses and outro of the song.
Heaven
Neil: True kindness needs no reward or recognition.
January
Neil: As boys we are raised to believe that women exist for our pursuit and pleasure. We are taught that no doesnt actually mean no and that our perseverance will eventually win us the prize. No human is another’s prize and women don’t owe men a goddamn thing.
Josh: I think what’s interesting is how “Sleeve” and “January” complement each other. Neil and I didn’t openly discuss lyrics or themes, it just seems we were riding on the same wavelengths.
Not the Same
Josh: This is about realizing that some of your best friends of the past aren’t really your friends anymore. And also feeling that when you try and reach out to them but it’s just not the same as a past connection.
Listen
Neil: This song is about the excruciating helplessness of watching someone you love crippled by addiction.
Josh: This was a fun one to do in the studio because we got to throw on acoustic guitar and double track bass. As the bass player in the band you kind of get your stuff done early and then you just hang out for a few days. So being able to throw a chorus pedal on the second verse and double up some backing rhythm really added a little flavor to the backbone of that part.
All I Need
Josh: This song is about being in a long term relationship and taking your partner for granted. It’s about waking up one day and it clicking that you’re doing that. But on top of that seeing this pattern and trying to make you sure you not only recognize it but try and get a handle on a bad cycle.
The Truth
Neil: I go through periods of time where I constantly feel like I’m on the verge of something, but I have no idea what it is. So essentially this song is about something I dont know about (yet).
Make It Go Away
Josh: This one is about looking at mistakes and just wishing there was a way to do it over again and make better decisions. Because those past decisions continue to effect your current life and it can be hard to get over them or heal in order to grow as a couple.
Life is Weird
Neil: This song was born in the strange void between existential humor and existential crisis, where I often find myself.
Josh: more bass double tracking notes here. I’d recommend it, it’s super fun!!!
Tour Dates:
6/29 Charlotte, NC @ Snug Harbor (record release show)
7/02 Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter
7/03 Lindenhurst, NY @ Brew Haus
7/04 Providence, RI @ DUSK (Revival Fest)
7/05 Boston, MA @ O’Briens
7/06 Ogunquit, ME @ Leavitt Theatre
7/07 Burlington, VT @ Speaking Volumes
7/08 Florence, MA @ 13th Floor
7/09 Brooklyn, NY @ Muchmore’s
7/10 Philadelphia, PA @ Boot & Saddle
7/11 Harrisonburg, VA @ Golden Pony
7/12 Johnson City, TN @ The Hideaway
7/13 Lexington, KY @ Best Friend Bar
7/14 Bloomington, IN @ The Blockhouse
7/15 Milwaukee, WI @ High Dive
7/16 Chicago, IL @ Subterranean
7/17 Detroit, MI @ Outer Limits
7/18 Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups
7/19 Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Roboto Project
7/20 Huntington, WV @ The Press Club
7/21 Winston Salem, NC @ Monstercade
10/26-28 Gainesville, FL @ The Fest
Photo credit: Brian Twitty
