Picture walking into an old saloon, or perhaps a secret speakeasy.
The dim lighting accentuates the cloud of cigarette smoke lingering above, adding to the mysterious, yet striking, vibes in the air. Onstage, a band is playing a bluesy tune that pierces your soul. This band is the Finnish/Swedish retro rock group, Angstbadan, and they’re singing their enigmatic song, “Nowhere Around.”
All that you want is nowhere, I said nowhere around
Everyone gets that feeling of being stuck in their lives at some point. Maybe you’re not pleased with your job, your relationship, or even your body, and you feel unsatisfied with life. Not depressed or angry- just a dull dissatisfaction.
What’s great about a song like this, one that speaks the truth hiding in the heart of most individuals, is that listening to it makes you feel less alone because you know others are struggling with this same feeling. You may not even be able to articulate this feeling of low-key hopelessness until you listen to the song.
Singing, or listening, away your blues can make you feel so good- it’s like a meditation where you metaphorically exhale your troubles away, inhaling new beginnings.
There’s not enough good, bluesy bands in the world- so I’m ecstatic to now know about Agnstbadan, and their soulfully psychedelic vibe. Listening to Agnstbadan’s “Nowhere Around,” you become immersed in a world that’s a mixture of a classy old-school jazz club, an indie 80’s movie, and an inscrutable detective mystery (The mystery being, what happened to the perfect life you envisioned? It’s “nowhere around.”). Angstbadan’s retro rock sound brings a unique vibe, reminiscent of classic blues and jazz, mixed with a bit of The Doors. I love when new bands have a retro feel, because not only do they bring those nostalgic and imperturbable vibes, but they’re also fresh and vibrant, bringing new stories and perspectives to their listeners.
You’re living for the Saturday, when you ease your mind
So many of us live for the weekend, or for some near (or distant) future where everything is supposed to turn out as planned. This song articulates the feeling of anybody who’s ever been discontented with their life. I appreciate songs with a story that gets you thinking, and “Nowhere Around” certainly does that for me. The lyrics speak of being stuck in a hole in life- going through the same routine every day. Nothing you desire is in your bubble. Life is just bland. It’s easy to get stuck in a situation that’s merely comfortable, but not exciting, and I think this song perfectly articulates this struggle.
Everything is empty, you’re living the blue
You’re feeling down because what you want in life is nowhere in sight, and you let that thought keep bothering you- festering in the back of your mind until it consumes you. What a song like this shows me, is that other people feel this way too, so it’s okay to feel blue about yourself occasionally. I adore how Angstbadan not only crafted a soulful tale through their lyrics, but with their lively collection of instruments as well. The liveliness of the tune creates a beautiful contrast with the downtrodden theme of the lyrics. As I was listening to the melodic piano playing, I was reminded of what John Lennon once said, life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans. The animated melody urges its listener to forget your troubles and just vibe with the music. And of course, that harmonica gives me life! Whenever I hear harmonica in a modern song, I get absolutely giddy, because it’s such a distinctive sound, bringing a smooth, classic feel to the song.
Angstbadan’s “Nowhere Around” is for those cool old souls that are just itchin’ for a few bluesy vibes in their life.
Give this brilliantly poignant tune a listen, and you’ll be transported to that shadowy speakeasy I had you imagine, soaking up the soulful psychedelia atmosphere with the rest of the cool cats.
