‘The Score’ and other bands to liven up final exam week:
By: LAUREN JOHNS ART & LIFE EDITOR:
For those currently taking finals or anticipating them, one can always turn to music for the ultimate energy boost, so skip the oversized coffee beverages, dry those tears of self-pity and tune into ‘The Score’.
Eddie Anthony (vocalist and guitarist) and Edan Dover (pianist and producer) formed this powerful duo in New York and gained popularity after releasing their single, “Oh My Love” in 2015, after it was featured on an ASDA campaign. From there, they were signed to Republic Records. However, this was not their first hit: their cover of “Say Something,” by Little Big World was streamed immensely prior. In addition, their next collection of singles,”Legend” and “Unstoppable” reached the Top 40 of the Billboard Rock Songs chart.
Despite having a few cliche, overly generic tunes (not limited to “Oh My Love”) which is still a fun summer jam, they remain distinguished from other bands in how they effortlessly merge genres: pop, rock and electronic elements.
“The Score” released an album in 2017 titled, “Atlas.” A record that is full of hidden gems.
A favorite of mine is “Unstoppable” with the heavy bass beats, kicking snares and Eddie’s signature grungy vocal effects, a track that will leave someone feeling stronger and ready to conquer anything, like that nightmare inducing presentation for one’s Public Speaking class.
Feeling lost? “Believe” has an ambient, 80’s-inspired chorus that could make anyone believe in themselves. However, it is a little redundant and could use more of a guitar buildup.
“Miracle” is the most relatable track, with an explosive chorus (like many other tracks of theirs), and a toned-down verse that sounds like something out of an old western film. It’s the ultimate ‘Procrastination’ anthem. A particular line that stands out to me is, “Success is a door that always slams. I’m trying to break it.”
With “Revolution,” despite how generic-sounding the title is, the song is anything-but. With bits of acoustic flare and soulful vocals, it’s the perfect song to rock out to on the morning of exams.
Additional tracks to explore: “Pressure,” off the E.P. of the same name and “Shakedown.”
Songs to avoid include “Legends,” which is one of those tracks I could never get into, maybe because it sounds like something from a car commercial. At the end of the album, particularly the Deluxe version, “Where Do you Run,” “Something New,” and “Livin Right, all sound very similar to one another: upbeat, somewhat sappy pop. In other words, it’s ‘Oh My Love: part 2-4.’
If these tracks aren’t sufficient enough to put a raincheck on that Pity Party, check out some additional songs by similar artists. Smile through the pain.
The song, “Champion” by Fall Out Boy is the perfect adrenaline pumping, confidence booster. The wise Patrick Stump (lead singer) said, “If I can live through this, I can do anything.” He was totally referring to final exams.
Up next, “Move” by Audio Adrenaline. Time to channel that inner Nike and “just do it.” The song combines electronic beats with electric guitar undertones.
In the rock realm, give Shinedown a listen, particularly “Brilliant,” and believe every word of it.
For more electronic pop, try “Falls” by ODESZA (feat. Sasha Sloan) and understand that we all “fall down sometimes.”
“Rise Above,” by Tommee Profitt (feat. Trella) is more than just a basic Cinematic track, it’s an experience.
Lastly, if something more soulful is one’s forte, check out Lianne La Havas, particularly her ‘Blood’ album. She has a beautiful voice to melt the stress away.
