instant crush - ‘i’m sorry i didn’t bite my tongue’ review
instant crush by Brittne Lunniss
Emerging from the noise of Seattle, Washington, instant crush is set to make their long-anticipated album debut, this Friday, October 25 with the release of i’m sorry i didn’t bite my tongue. Fronted by Megan Cannon, together with Matthew Tran, Keegan Mangahas, and Zoee Mangahas, their mission is clear - to breathe new life into the genre that dominated the 2000s. With a sound that blends sparkly synths, high-energy guitar riffs, and penetrating vocals, instant crush takes the anthemic energy of classic radio rock and infuses it with deeply personal lyrics reminiscent of a coming-of-age film soundtrack.
Off the bat, I should have known what I was getting myself into as instant crush boldly presents their story across 10 tracks, each title unapologetically displayed in capital letters, as if fearing listeners to brace themselves for what’s to come.
The album kicks off with A CINEMATIC EXIT!, a title that sets the tone for the journey that follows. From the very first notes, lead vocalist Megan Cannon’s unwavering and clear tone commands attention, unafraid to shock and captivate the audience. It opener clearly plays on current pop trends, reminiscent of Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘get him back’, Cannon’s delivery is playful yet poignant recounting of heartache, employing an uptempo speak-singing style that immediately draws listeners in. The track’s infectious rhythm had me unconsciously rocking back and forth from the very first listen.
Following the opener, instant crush continues to deliver headstrong, almost cathartic anthems with ON THE INTERNET and SAFETY NET. These tracks stand as pillars of the album's sound, seamlessly blending vocals and instrumentation into a cohesive sonic experience. While ON THE INTERNET builds on the established energy, likely exploring our complex relationship with digital life, it's SAFETY NET that truly showcases the band's range. The latter's final minutes transcend traditional song structure, with Cannon's harmonies giving way to an electrifying symphony of guitar riffs and synths. A fearless blend of alternative rock energy, pop sensibilities, and avant-garde flourishes that leaves the audience exhilarated and eager for more.
A surprising shift occurs with LONER and TUG OF WAR, as instant crush transitions from their electric, cathartic pleas to a hyper-pop sound. LONER stands out as a simple yet cheeky homage to adolescent crushes, while TUG OF WAR continues this vein, exploring the cyclical nature of young love. These tracks reveal the band's versatility, proving they can captivate with both high-energy anthems and more introspective pieces.
Standing out as a true gem in this collection, HARD TO LOSE demands its own spotlight. This track is tailor-made for those introspective late-night drives, windows down, as the world blurs by. At its core, the song poses the haunting question, "What keeps you up at night?" — a query that cuts to the heart of self-reflection. It's the musical equivalent of that pivotal moment in a coming-of-age film where the protagonist faces their ultimate crossroads, teetering on the precipice of self-actualisation. Despite clocking in at a mere 2 minutes and 35 seconds, the song feels boundless. Comparatively in SAFETY NET, where Cannon's vocals take a backseat to showcase the guitar's prowess, here her voice becomes an instrument in its own right. She weaves her harmonies seamlessly with the synths, creating an almost otherworldly, siren-like quality that both captivates and unsettles.
As the album concludes, it returns to its anthemic 2000s pop-rock roots with APOLOGY TOUR, REDEMPTION ARC, and STAB MY BACK. These final tracks solidify instant crush's status as more than just another voice in the alternative scene, crafting a cohesive narrative that explores modern relationships, self-discovery, and unapologetic self-expression.
instant crush's rise in the alternative music scene is marked by impressive collaborations and performances. They've shared stages with renowned acts such as Del Water Gap, the Home Team, the Wrecks, the Plain White T's, Daisy Grenade, and the Academic, carving out their own unique space in the genre that shaped them. Now, the band is poised to make an even bigger impact with their debut album. This album not only showcases their evolving sound but also cements their status as a band to watch in the coming years. Drawing inspiration from influential acts like Bloc Party, the Killers, and Paramore, instant crush promises a debut that's both catchy and relatable, offering something for every alternative music fan.
instant crush has partnered with Seattle nonprofit record label Share It Music, with a portion of the album's proceeds benefiting the Joyful Heart Foundation. This leading national organisation works to transform society's response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, supporting survivors and striving to end such violence forever.
i’m sorry i didn’t bite my tongue from instant crush is out 25 October via Share It Music and available on all good streaming platforms.
