Sundressed is an indie-punk band from Arizona. The band has a history of covering heavy topics such as mental health and addiction, which has created a community of support with fans and friends. Their latest album is another expansion of those elements, speaking about the struggles of life – money, health, the struggles of recovery – but overall the journey of getting better.
“Home Remedy” is both the title track and the first song on the album. After my first (and tenth) listen, I can see why it was placed as the song to listen to straight out the gate. It sets the tone for the entire album in both name, lyrics, and sound. The song itself speaks about the struggle of practically jumping through hoops to gain control of one’s mental health only for nothing to work. Then the frustration that follows when you’re faced with the “usual” advice; “Have you tried deep breathing? // Just exercise, well I’m trying.“
“Explode! (Into Pieces)” flows perfectly after “Home Remedy.” The back and forth between the drums and guitar in the opening notes was fun to listen to and I see making this song a good opener in a live concert setting.
The main lyric that encompeses the songs meaning the best in my opinion is “I don’t want to be a stress ball for you to throw against the wall.” The stress ball signifies being something that (in the context of the song) friends use to release stress into, release their pain into (hit against the wall), until the ball breaks from the constant stress. Or “Explodes into pieces.” Which works well with the song’s discussion of wanting to be able to release your emotions without worry, but also not feeling pressured to constantly be okay.
“No Thanks” is the first song on the album that begins to showcase Sundressed early 2000s pop punk influence, which the rest of the album will follow suit. But more importantly “No Thanks” marks as the turning point in the album, and by extension Hedges, and starts to focus on healing. The acoustic-like final chorus was a nice touch to the song, making it even more enjoyable to listen to.
“Is This a Drug?” is definitely one of my favorite songs on the album and a large part of that reason is because of the melody. Having a slowed down bridge juxtaposed to the faster chorus and verses mimicked the emotions that the lyrics were portraying. The “high” and hope you get when things are going well or the medication is working, followed by a slump which is feared to be more than a normal low. Is what you’re feeling natural or just a product of the drug? Or just a product of your illness? “You shouldn’t listen to the things they say // you shouldn’t let them work you up this way.“
“Oh Please” is one hundred precent a summer festival song. Imagine crowds singing the lyrics to the band and people crowd surfing. And while the song’s topic isn’t as upbeat as the song – not being able to pay your medical bills and being next to broke – it does take place as the most upbeat song on the album. And just genuinely fun.
“Size of My Heart,” I’ll admit, was victim to listeners’ fatigue. By this point the album starts to feel long, however the song itself is amazing! It made me think of Simple Plan, in a way that screams that this song would have definitely been in a movie and a radio hit if it came out in 2003.
“Your Frequency” has the most relatability out of all the songs on the album, especially when it comes to the modern day debate of “working to live versus living to work.” This song will strike a note with listeners who are a part of the affected gig culture that has recently taken a hit. Also with anyone who finds that they are starting to question the validity of working all the time and never having time for life, families, and friends.
“Sensitive Motherfucker” is, compared to the rest of the album, the weakest song on the album. However, not because of the lyrics – which covers the topic of sensitivity in relation to masculinity – but because of the instrumentals. The song comes off as an non-acoustic tune trying its hand at acoustic without actually being acoustic. To give benefit of the doubt however, it could be a great live song and also to give credit where it’s due, it works well as a way to give a “break” in the album.
“The Facts” is the best song on the album. The experimental screams in the songs was a pleasant surprise and caused an instant replay. The overlapping of vocals towards the end of the song was not overwhelming but instead acted as a harmozing moment in an interesting way. Also, if anyone has experienced self-doubt or moments of not exactly liking yourself might find an anthem in this song.
“Cash Out” is another song where the harmonizing is really well done and only enhances the song. I also really like how Sundressed relates the dark of night with finding “light” or “happiness,” which goes against more traditional analogies.
“Beyond Repair”, like all bonus tracks, was a joy to experience. This song is very timely with recent controversies this summer involving celebrities from all walks of life. “They say never meet your heroes // turns out nobody is perfect.” The song is completely about the hypocrisy and imperfection that can be found with human idols. But I also feel like the undercurrent topic is about the anxiety that (in this case) musicians feel when it comes to the fear of not maintaining that perfection.
The entire album was fantastic and I can definitely see it being a “staple” album in Sundressed’s career. I look forward to what else they put out in the future.
You can stream Home Remedy below.
