Devin Dunlap

Indie rock band COIN has released a new album, I'm Not Afraid of Music Anymore, filled with high-energy anthems and slower heartfelt acoustic tracks—the infusions of pop, indie, and alternative rock mix to form the perfect COIN cocktail. With every track being written, produced, and performed by the three band members, talent is bursting out the seams of the band. Spearheaded by the band’s lead singer, Chase Lawrence, the project is recorded largely live in the studio.

The quick tempo is instantly kicked off by the catchy drum beat and the guitar riff is very reminiscent of The Strokes. “Take It or Leave It” is COIN’s twist on indie rock circa 2000. It’s a quick beat, an unforgettable guitar mix, and emotionally raw lyrics. The juxtaposition of the innocent and sweet drums and bass during the verse and the loud guitar joining in during the chorus reflects the lyrics so accurately. It paints the picture that the lyrics tell of losing your mind and feeling stuck in a relationship.

222 is a peaceful hypnotic tune that will be stuck in your head for days. The track gently slows the album down for a moment of folksy acoustics and transcendent melodies. The only way to describe the effect used on the vocals for this song is by listening to a voicemail from an old friend. Combined with the soft drum beat, this song feels like going home. Lyrically, it draws that homecoming picture, with mentions of the oceanside, Georgia peaches, and “hanging out the open window” on a “long way back home”.

Kicking off the album cycle was “Strawberry Jam”, a summery happy-go-lucky song with a punchy and blissful melody. Coming in first with solely an electric guitar riff, the song begins building up with a quick drum beat and ultimately reaches the chorus for a chromatic release of all the instruments. Most notable is the distinct addition of a harmonica to the chorus to cement their fresh and individual voice. Despite the vibrant nature of the melody, the track discusses feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. Falling into overanalyzing and lacking self-confidence in relationships is perfectly contrasted with the sweet sound and even the title of the lead single.

A turning point in the album is the anthemic track “Growing Song”. Feeling epic and larger than life, but its lyrics are the reflection of maturation. Instantly coming in with the big chorus sound of soulful vocals and symphonic instrumentals sets the tone for the intensity and potency of the lyrics. As lead vocalist, Chase Lawrence, sings about growing apart from someone you once loved, the track feels like it gets bigger and bigger. Aggressive strumming of the acoustic guitar seems like a small part but contributes to the powerful moment on the album that is this song.

The new album is the band at their most raw, vulnerable, and unapologetic. While just about every artist says that about their most recent project, COIN believed it so much that they named the album after it. I’m Not Afraid of Music Anymore is the band saying they are not afraid of where they are or where they are going musically.

Listen to I’m Not Afraid of Music Anymore here!

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