Good Great Fine OK brings the summertime sadness with EXIST

Good Great Fine OK offers a breath of fresh air just in time for the warm weather. On March 22, the duo of Jon Sandler and Luke Moellman released a 5-track EP titled EXIST. Much like their other projects, the EP continues the duo’s signature blend of electro-pop, featuring catchy melodies, passionate lyrics, and polished production. Based in Los Angeles, California the duo has released several singles, EPs, and albums, showcasing their signature blend of synth-pop, indie dance, and R&B influences. Their music often explores themes of love, relationships, and self-discovery. They have amassed a dedicated following for their dynamic live performances and infectious hooks, this project serves no different. 

The EP kicks off with a track that evokes the carefree vibes of summertime. “Breathing” sets the tone with its infectious groovy kickbeat drum and funky bassline. The opening lyrics, “I’m wide awake but I’m paralyzed. I look up and the sky’s caving in…” paint a picture of inner turmoil amidst an outwardly upbeat backdrop. Despite the sunny production, the song’s lyrics delve into a darker introspection, capturing the feeling of suffocation under life’s burdens — a sentiment that resonates with many. It conveys the universal experience of feeling overwhelmed and trapped, unable to escape the pressures of existence. 

The subsequent tracks on the EP maintain a consistent pattern, juxtaposing upbeat musical compositions with introspective and often self-deprecating lyrics. This thematic thread is continued seamlessly in the second track, “Blame.” Here, the buoyant melodies serve as a backdrop to poignant and introspective lyricism, effectively capturing the complexities of human emotions and experiences. In “Blame,” the contrast between the uplifting instrumentation and the somber lyrical content highlights the internal struggles and conflicts that many individuals face, adding depth and resonance to the overall musical narrative. “It’s my problem, baby now it’s my problem. / Even though it’s not my fault. / Baby I’m gonna take the blame.” This strongly implies a juxtaposition in the narrative between the lyrical content of the song and the vibrant, infectious production that accompanies it. 

EXIST showcases a sampling of the duo’s work and their growth during their decade of creating together. The EP can be summarized as a masterclass of showing the contrast between the two elements that underscore the project’s message’s complexity, highlighting the tension between surface-level joy and underlying emotional depth. This interplay between upbeat melodies and introspective lyrics adds layers of complexity to the music, inviting listeners to explore the nuanced emotions and themes woven throughout the five songs. It effectively captures the duality of human experience, where moments of happiness coexist with moments of introspection and self-doubt.