With a disarming math-rock-inspired intro that indicates a dexterous virtuosity that we don’t encounter very often (and that gives the song its numerical title), 58 from the Charlottesville, Virginia quartet gets off to a promising start. The vibe swiftly shifts however to an altogether heavier, emo-feeling, alternative rock arrangement.
Part Paramore, part Biffy Clyro, part My Bloody Valentine, part Title Fight, the math-rock element continues bubbling away beneath the surface backed throughout by blood-curdling guttural screams and spikey guitar stabs from lead guitarist Tucker Ferrell that slice through the almost shoegaze-esque noise.
Feelings of desperation, despondency and desolation come through in both the vocal delivery and the lyrical content here with frontperson Isabel Xiao touching on insecurity, self-suppression and hopelessness. We’re told by the band that the track is built around “themes of identity within queer spaces, grappling with gender unconformity and anxiety” – something that is incredibly important in the world we live in at the moment. Greater understanding of the plight of our neighbours no matter who they are or what they are going through can only ever be a good thing and it is all of our responsibility to work towards extinguishing the feelings detailed in this song by including everyone, everywhere.
Their debut single, released just over a year ago, 58 still feels fresh, urgent and necessary and its unique and distinctive blend of elements will make it an appealing prospect for many and varied audiences across its home country and indeed the wider world. Catch them live if you can – we bet they’re incredible.
Written by Kinda Grizzly
