Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
Avery Cochrane
Shapeshifting on a Saturday Night by Avery Cochrane
This track weaves all the best elements of Phoebe Bridgers and Catie Turner into the same gorgeous tapestry. I absolutely loved the unique chord progression that has just enough tension to keep you crawling back for more. It also features a lot of subtle-yet-effective sonic dynamics that beautifully depict the struggles of managing a complicated multifaceted relationship long term. “She’s an industry professional at telling you lies / works hard for her money and still can’t get by” are only some of the intriguing lyrics that bring this unique character to life. Listen loud and often if you relate to meeting (or falling in love with) someone who wears different hats far too often.
This alt-pop gem has all the makings of a hit. I really liked all the nuanced textures that share the stage without being overwhelming, and the great message of being brave enough to question what you thought was true when things change. It’s also got some gorgeous vocal melodies that will help you escape from the monotony of everyday life. Bonus points for the intriguing chord progressions and scales that make this song feel like something totally new while feeling familiar at the same time.
“Where did it all go wrong?” is the raspy opening hook at the beginning of this angsty masterpiece. With elements of Smashmouth and Nirvana, this song is just the thing for anyone who’s been missing the 90s grunge era. Driving drum beats and an undeniably catchy rhythm are perfectly primed to grab your attention and never let it go. Perfect for anyone navigating the pitfalls of their lovelife, this song will be the perfect addition to their ranting playlist. Plus that face-melting guitar solo makes quite the statement.
This song is such a deep breath of fresh air. I absolutely love that the vocalist sings about being “free to go back to the beginning” and heal old traumas. Of course, this kind of emotional work is difficult, but so worthwhile — and this song depicts this struggle so eloquently in a bright light. If you’ve found yourself in a season of working on yourself and also need to retrain yourself to see things differently, this song will remind you that you’re not alone in that struggle. After all, starting again is the first step to healing that will change your life for the better, and these soft acoustic guitar rhythms will calmly lead you there.
This song sounds like something that Coldplay might produce, with just a little added grit. I really liked the bright guitar licks that ebb and flow throughout the vocals, and the thematic focus on empathy and understanding. The chorus dips a toe slightly into the alternative rock genre, with a consistent center that brings the overall message back into focus. The vocal performance is strong, with the added experience of the shifting sonic dynamics throughout the song that make it feel like a dynamic sonic journey you won’t want to miss.