A musical growth spurt

The new decade is starting off on the right foot for the indie-pop music world. Echosmith leads the charge with their sophomore release, Lonely Generation. Seven years since the release of their debut studio album, Talking Dreams, siblings Sydney, Noah and Graham Sierota are reaching new musical heights while touching on getting older, the social construct of love and our distorted communication as a society.

The 12-track album opens with the title track “Lonely Generation,” an alluring and shimmery anthem describing the social media-based jail many live in nowadays. Emphasizing on the lyrics, “a pixelated version of ourselves” as the smooth vocals roll over hills of poppy drums and keys. “Diamonds” follows with a steady guitar beat and breezy harmonies that could make anyone bob their head along. The album hits a stride with “Shut Up and Kiss Me,” a track that is not only a highlight on the album but a melodic journey that is catchy and soothing all at once. “Last Forever” and “Everyone Cries” follow one another on Lonely Generation. Both tracks have a similar feeling, one that feels like lost love and learning to move on and grow from the pain. With lyrics like, “Do you feel invisible? Like you’re on a shelf? Like somebody stole your dream/ and now you’re someone else?,” found in “Everyone Cries” are the perfect reminder that lead singer, Sydney, is only 22 and still figuring it all out alongside her brothers.

“Lost Somebody” is the breakup song that we all didn’t know we needed. The vocals are sung so confidently and paired with energetic drums, listeners will want to dance along with the catchy chorus, “Have you ever used, somebody? That’s how you lose somebody.” The album ends with the track “Don’t Wanna Lose My Love.” A dance of piano and acoustic guitar twirl around as soft harmonies descend while Sydney sings “I don’t wanna lose my love” almost as if her love is right in front of her. An emotional but perfect end to a gigantic milestone in the bands’ history.

A new generation meets old souls as this sibling trio makes their voices her literally and figuratively in Lonely Generation. The ideas and constructs behind each song are as sturdy as a bridge and the band confidently walks their listener through on a journey that ultimately leaves them learning something valuable while wanting more of their hypnotic musical vibes.