On sophomore album Before It Mattered, 2nd Time Around delivers engaging indie-rock through vibrant guitar work, pulsing basslines, and melodic keys. Detailed, scene-setting storytelling grounds the project, transforming ordinary moments — spanning from late-night drives, concerts, and memories –into lively, reflective anthems packed with infectious energy, shifting rhythms, and sharp songwriting.
Lead single “Next Thing You Know” opens the album with crisply melodic allure, weaving trickling electric guitar and vibrant keys into an approachable pop/rock briskness. Pulsing bass and tender guitar twangs drive into a smooth lead melody and breezy harmonizing. “Cars and people crowd the streets, a train moves somewhere out of sight,” the scene-setting is palpable, depicting “another city night” alongside ruminations on settings and memories that linger in one’s mind, particularly in jovial nights where “it’s almost morning” before you know it. The ensuing “Once Again” channels a more spirited rock ‘n’ roll charisma initially, then shifting to perspectives on daily schedules and rigid plans, against a drive to play things enjoyably by ear. Shifts between lusher singing and more bursting guitars — with the performance pouring out “this is how it goes!” — make for a climactic listening experience throughout.
“Without a Clue” then arrives, furthering a sense of purpose in letting out “you knew what you had to do, now it’s gone, and you have no clue” amidst peppy, jangly guitar work. The narration that follows — “you pick up your phone to send a text, or were you checking the score of the game instead?” — continues to display these ordinary moments in life, in this case lamenting the plight of doom-scrolling when life awaits outside. The twinkling of piano adds to the inviting guitar work, while the delivery excites especially in the “without a clue!” ardor and backing breeziness. Another highlight, “Never Surrender” unveils a soulful croon, lyrically recalling a camping trip in one’s memory. “Didn’t think much about it then,” a debonair delivery intones, before venturing into descriptions like “rain picked up as we settled in, the tent looked bigger when I was ten…” that suggest a crossroads in one’s life, searching for purpose and moving between nostalgic yearning and forward-looking motivation.
Album finale “Can’t Stay Here” is a fantastic piece of songwriting as well, concluding the release with cathartic vigor. “Scored some seats in the upper deck, didn’t really matter where they were,” the lyrics recount a joyful time with their brother attending a Rolling Stones concert. “Can’t stay here, not for the Stones,” the chorus rings out, invigorating in its accounts of moving closer to the stage, metaphorically resembling a drive to push forth through the crowd. An effervescent guitar solo sits between melodic phrases, describing open chords and Mick Jagger “running across the stage.” The track’s celebratory depictions of sharing a wonderful moment, and how “all I had to do was change my seat” to make it better, ponders motivation and personal action amidst artistic revelry. Full of personable songcraft, Before It Mattered is a stirring, lively success of an album from 2nd Time Around.
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