Los Angeles rock band Say Anything is back with a brand new song after ending their four-year break from music earlier this year with the release of “Psyche!”
Officially ending their hiatus back in April with “Psyche!” Say Anything have released another new single. Entitled “Are You (In) There?” this new release is a passionate testament to love and being in love. Instrumentals that begin soft, slow, and simple, then crescendo into intricate melodies and a fast-paced tempo support the lyrics, almost mirroring the “slowly then all at once” concept of falling in love.
Formed in Los Angeles in 2000, Say Anything is the brainchild of vocalist and founding member Max Bemis. While the band’s roster has featured different musicians, their current lineup consists of longtime drummer Coby Linder, former members Parker Case on keyboards and Alex Kent on bass, and newest editions Brian Warren (Weatherbox) on guitar and Fred Mascherino (Taking Back Sunday) on guitar and effects.
In 2018, the band announced they were taking an indefinite break; however, Bemis took to Instagram last year, saying they were reuniting in 2023 for the When We Were Young festival. “Psyche!” marks Say Anything’s first single post-hiatus and their latest song, “Are You (In) There?” further solidifies their comeback.
Speaking on the new single, Max Bemis stated, “This is another love song for my wife, replete with the trappings that come with being in love for fifteen years for the first time, praying to Lucifer that I get another seventy-five years at the very least.” The raw, ardent lyrics of “Are You (In) There?” fortify this sentiment. Bemis also cleverly includes a nod to his wife, Eisley vocalist Sherri DuPree’s music with the line “Floods these ducts ’til I give it up / Shamelessly serenading me with Eisley.”
Through the years, Say Anything’s music has fallen under several genres, including alternative, emo, pop-punk, and indie rock. However, with “Are You (In) There?” the band pulls different aspects from all of the above to create a sound that is uniquely theirs. Combining the emotional lyrics and softness of emo and avant-garde structure and vocals of alternative with the upbeat energy and catchy choruses of pop-punk, sonically Say Anything’s newest release is an original masterpiece. With multiple aspects of various rock subgenres flawlessly mixed into one song, “Are You (In) There?” can only be defined by what it is at its core- rock music.
An emotional love song with an infectious energy, “Are You (In) There?” is a beautiful work of art. With two new releases under them, Say Anything is officially back and ready to rock. “Are You (In) There?” is available now on major streaming platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
A Baltimore, MD based writer with a passion for all things music. My aim as a journalist is to stay true to the voice and vision of the artists I’m covering. https://writingbytaylordakota.godaddysites.com/
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