Oldsoul is a quartet out of Massachusetts that play emotionally gritty songs with different atmospheres surrounding their instrumentals. The band released a wonderful album, entitled Coy in early February. “Anything but Lovely” is a song that seems to swirl with delicate guitars while the opener before it “Why You Go” has more direct punches in the rhythm — a more dire urgency to every little moment. The song’s end features vocalist Jess Hall straining her voice with an emphatic yell.
One thing is for sure about the soundscape of Coy, the orchestra of melodies across each song are lined with a reflective emotion, especially during the two parter “I Fell Asleep to Twin Peaks.” Both songs are tandem on the record, really giving the song a unique daze — like taking a walk during a cold winter night. The ending is a spark of reassurance, a confidence to keep going through life no matter how cold. Next is the beautifully thoughtful “Easy Without Me.”
New Noise Magazine is pleased to bring forth a more in depth look to Coy by Oldsoul. Different members chime in on the tunes, giving a wholistic look into this incredible (and more than likely under listened) release.
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Why You Go
This was one of the first songs we wrote for the new album and the one that was written the fastest. It’s sort of a break-up song, and the lyrics are pretty self-deprecating, but I like how the bright chords and quick pacing give the song an overwhelmingly positive vibe. – Tom
Our LP Coy is a slight stylistic departure from the Loverboy EP released prior and we wanted to open the record up with a quick/lively arrangement that would grab the listeners attention and showcase the change in style that wanted for our LP. Why You Go was a perfect song for this due to its sudden start and quick pulse that doesn’t let up until the song comes to a climactic close. -Chris
I wrote this song on behalf of all the times I’ve overcompensated in every intimate, platonic, or absent interaction I’ve had. The feeling of being undeserving due to a lack of effort by people I care or have cared deeply for. Contemplating who to blame until I come to the conclusion that it was most likely a joint effort. – Jess
Anything but Lovely
“Anything But Lovely” is perhaps the closest song on the LP to a pop song, structurally speaking.
This is my “don’t tell me what to do” song. It makes fun of what society expects me to be, and me making fun of societal standards by pretending to be “coy” and incapable of being an independent person. Don’t tell me how I should be. I can make my own decisions. – Jess
I Fell Asleep to Twin Peaks Pt. 1
I really didn’t want to call these songs “I Fell Asleep to Twin Peaks,” but Tyler insisted. It’s grown on me quite a lot since we first named them. However, the titles has nothing to do with the actual songs. Catchiest chorus 2koldoul– Jess
I Fell Asleep to Twin Peaks Pt. 2
For this track, I did a lot of recording alone in my attic, after Jake had already mixed the guitars, bass, drums and vocals. Some extra guitar parts, keys, and synthetic drones I tracked myself. I did this for every song on the album, but this is the one I spent the most time on. I also did some “field recordings,” and if you listen closely, you’ll hear the sounds of a crowded Starbucks and the squawks of these weird furby-esque automatronic animals they were selling at a kiosk in the Natick Mall. I also added in recordings of several rivers, and someone saying “Right?… I got it!” about 45 seconds in.
I kind of wish this came out louder in the mix because I tried really hard to make the sounds cooperate with the rhythm of the song. Oh well. You can probably pick out all these sounds with good headphones. – Tom
Although it’s super repetitive, I always get lost playing this part. It’s our dreamiest yet. – Jess
Easy Without Me
The black sheep of the album. Not only does the style of the song differ from the rest of the album, but Tom is the primary vocalist on this track. He has a unique voice, and it was fun to switch things up for a change. – Jess
This is the only song I sing lead on. We almost didn’t even record it, but I think we’re all glad we did. The lyrics tell about a house party, and then cleaning up after a party. To me, it’s about quietly embracing the uninspiring, mundane parts of everyday life. I don’t know what the chorus lyrics—”It happens all the time”— refers to, but I thought it sounded true and universal, and it’s catchy. – Tom
Slow Down, Senpai
The crowd pleaser. We’ve been playing this song for over two years now. I find it funny (and flattering) that people get disappointed if we don’t play this song live. It’s fun to have a song that everyone sings along to. – Jess
Eyeless
I’ve looked up on several occasions to find people air drumming along to the “pre-chorus” of this song. Chris kills it in this one with his tasteful drumming. – Jess
Good Girl
I don’t need to be bound to anyone to know my worth. – Jess
The Sun, the Sun, the Sun
We almost named this one “The Sun by Tigers Jaw,” and I bet it would have more Spotify plays right now if we did. – Tom
I did a bad thing to someone I cared about and I never want to be that person again. This song is a reminder. – Jess
Photo by Emily Boudreau
