THE CRITICALS - CLEVER GIRL
Amongst the recent uprise in progressive rock bands, The Criticals are a group that is rapidly growing both in talent and popularity. The Nashville-based rock band composed of Parker Forbes, Cole Shugart, David Michael Meadows (Michael), Tyelen Gibbs, and J. Rudolfo Rosas (Chuy) are gearing up for their upcoming EP due to be released July 21st. In the meantime, the band has dropped their newest single Clever Girl along with a coinciding music video directed by Hannah Gray Hall.
Holding a similar sound to groups such as The Driver Era, Quarters of Change, Vista Kicks, and Benches, The Criticals have heavy bass lines and flamboyant lyrics that are key elements to their overall ambiance as musicians. Clever Girl in a nutshell, is THE Criticals song despite it just being released on May 31st.
The song itself makes you want to headbang to the point of a migraine with its charged energy and undeniable fire, two amazing upsides to a rock song from such a group. Besides the fantastic composition of Micheal’s bass, the other three insturmentalists definitely knock it out of the park. With Chuy and Tyelen’s excellent additions to the rhythm of the song along with Cole’s intoxicating guitar solo, Clever Girl may just be the best piece from the band yet. Parker’s gritty style of singing buildson to the zestful spirit the number possesses, not to mention his addicting presence inthe music video.
Lyrically, the song appears to be a bit of a mystery. (But isn’t that part of the fun that is The Criticals?) A few lines from the chorus in particular have left fans stumped on who this so called Clever Girl is, as it states “Stoned, it’s the sex in his tone. Talkings taking so long. Clever girl, she got one foot too far away from the door”. Other puzzling lines from various verses include (but are not limited to) “It comes and goes like a leopard in the snow. I guess I was told to stub it on my big toe” (verses 1 & 5) and “Got busted for xans while he was on the dean’s list. Check on your friends, make sure they don’t agree with sweet Uncle Sam and all that he’s put us through” (verse 2).
Though some listeners have been dissecting the song to figure out its lyrical meaning, the true sense will still be unknown unless the band members themselves come out and speak on it.
After this well received new single, The Criticals will be playing shows in cities such as Los Angeles, Millvale, Knoxville, and Columbus as well as a set at Pleasantville Music Festival this July. Their heavily anticipated E.P; Front Door Confrontations, drops officially on July 21st and many are hoping for some new tour dates as well.
To listen to Clever Girl along with their other music, click this link!
For tickets, merch, updates, and more click here!
To watch the Clever Girl music video, visit this link!