People in the modern day constantly complain about how the new generation is addicted to technology, with many a parent being quotable as blaming a child’s problems on being “always on that damn phone!” Despite the seeming silliness of these complaints, the reliance on technology has legitimately drifted people apart and resulted in an increasing mundanity to everyday life. In their recent single “Cellphone,” New York-based indie rock band Laveda discusses their complaints regarding the monotonous nature of modern-day life.
The song kicks in with just drums at first before leading into a smooth and catchy bassline that sets a groovy tune throughout the track. A guitar with a slightly distorted and out-of-tune feel reminiscent of noise rock and post punk bands like Sonic Youth and Joy Division fills in a more background-based role, adding layers of atmosphere to the track that enunciates certain elements. The vocals come in with an almost spoken style of singing with a smooth, casual tone that at times breaks into more distinct melodies. The song features multiple hooks and is overall very catchy.
The track is accompanied by a music video featuring shots of the band working an office job, interspersed with footage of the band performing. It furthers the song’s theme about the mundane nature of life, working in the same job over and over. The lyrics further emphasize this feeling of being exhausted with the repetition of life in an era in which social media creates a need for constant stimulation. The song directly states, “I don’t wanna blame my cellphone anymore, I don’t wanna have a cellphone anymore,” exemplifying this desire to escape from this repetition and embrace a more traditional style of living. Modern society is constantly changing and has reached a point where you realistically cannot fully live without a cellphone. It has gotten to a point where it is difficult to differentiate what is actually enjoyable versus what is draining you, and while it seems ideal to remove yourself from the internet and not have a cellphone, the reliance on technology in art and the workplace has made this desire unrealistic. Especially for musicians, social media has practically become the only viable option to promote oneself and connect with new audiences.
That being said, you can find the song and video on YOUTUBE, as well as practically any other streaming service HERE! To keep in contact with Laveda and hear about upcoming shows and music at this time, where technology continues to take over our lives, follow them on INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, and TWITTER!
Written by Naomi Niemiec
