CADENCE! - CHASING THE BIG LIFE
Cadence! is a rock band based out of Nashville, TN. From having opportunities opening for a few national tours, to playing some small gigs across the country; this band has really started to find their place in the music scene. They started off strong with their recent release of their debut album ‘Chasing the Big Life’.
It has 8 different songs; each having a unique meaning, both lyrically and melodically.
Starting off strong with “Uprise Tonight”; this gets the listener ready with a very upbeat tone and vibe to the project. It gives the impression of a very heavy rock based instrumental but with lyrics that really hit hard.
Next track up is called “American Poison”. To me, this song seems to speak on the toxicity of relationships in one’s life. It has lyrics such as
“Put the blinders on and stop wasting all my time. These colors all run but they’re starting to fade and still you turn around and look the other way”
With this, it can interpreted as what life is like on the other side of a relationship in which someone isn’t being treated fairly or when it isn’t going as they hoped. Very relatable.
Next is one of my favorites on the project: “50/50”. It continues this ongoing trend of questionable relationships. I like how it keeps to the overall theme yet has its own unique perspective to it as well. This highlights the inside turmoil someone can experience when deciding what the next step is; whether to keep trying and persevere, or to end things and walk away. Songs like this are highlights in albums, for me, because they focus on issues that everyone struggles with.
“My Obsession” is quite different on this album from the rest; it keep the hardcore instrumental, yet the chorus has a very smooth and catchy melody to it. It sticks out from the song, because it’s a softer tone within it. This relates to the overall theme but we see a slight shift in tone as this one discusses being obsessed or in the “crush” stage of ones’ feelings.
The fifth track, “Keep Me Up All Night”, hits quite hard for me as well; it’s one many people can probably relate to as it goes through feelings of doubt, uncertainty, anxiety, worry.
“I let these thoughts in my head control who I am, but I’m thinking it’s time I turn my back on them”
Overall, it’s a positive outlook as it seems to mainly talk about fighting through all these feelings, and wanting to become better in the end.
“What I’m Worth” almost provides a secondary resolution to the last song on the list. The topic of self worth and self esteem is such an important topic; being able to see how others treat you or who is holding you back, is very impressive. The ability to say “this isn’t good” and walk away in order to better yourself? A lesson everyone should learn.
“Post Traumatic Promises” is definitely the most popular on the project; this seems to be the song that really launched the band into success. It continues the vibe of bettering yourself. We all have had relationships that have ended badly or where we’ve been treated badly due to our partners trauma. This is kind of what this song talks about; the unrealistic expectations someone can put on you or want from you, after they’ve been hurt.
The project ends on a great note with “Big Life”; this song is basically what the album is titled after. It has a softer tone, and overall softer vocals; it follows more into the 2000’s soft rock vibe. I think this was a great way to end the album as it basically is a resolution to the problems that were presented in the prior songs. Overall, chasing the “big life” and following your dreams is what should be important; you shouldn’t let others change your mind, or affect you negatively. Chasing your happiness is what matters.
Overall, the album is perfect if you enjoy hard rock, and very relatable messages. This band is BEYOND talented, and it’s only their first album! I can’t wait to see where they go from here! Be sure to check out all their socials @cadencerockband.
Listen to Chasing the Big Life on Apple Music & Spotify!