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If the back-to-reality snap of early September snuck up on you the same way it did to me, the newest release from Arden Jones is sure to bring back some summer vibes and help extend your endless vacation. Dropping age tape 8 just before we chart a path for fall, the three-track EP arrives as the eighth installment of Jones’ extensive 2022 age tape project series and covers a multitude of high-energy indie and pop sounds. Teasing the project across social media, Jones' fans have been clamoring for these new tracks and are eager to join the rising star on a string of upcoming fall shows. 

Launching the series with age tape 1 back in February, Jones has provided fans with a consistent roster of upbeat, exciting, and unique tracks that take listeners across a wellspring of genres, ranging from R&B, alternative, pop, and high-paced bedroom production. As a young kid, Arden taught himself guitar, piano, mandolin, and standup bass, and points to artists like Mac Miller, 50 Cent, Tupac, and Chance the Rapper as early inspirations for his one-of-a-kind sound. This newest trio of tracks, composed of "mr. sunshine," "gold plated," and "leave me a message" were teased online and fans immediately jumped on them, riding the initial wave of excitement up until this moment. 

While all the tracks in age tape 8 are certifiable bangers, "mr. sunshine" stands out as an unexpectedly fun, smile-inducing, sing-along track. Dancing alongside dark and moody lyrics, Jones expresses his frustration with unreal expectations, opening with the lines "I’m sorry I'm not Mr. Sunshine / All jokes, 'til I start feeling like the punchline / I know that you want Mr. Optimistic, that ain't realistic / I ain't Mr. Sunshine”. These relatable feelings aren’t dampening though, as the electric instrumentation infectiously draws listeners in and reminds them to search for the silver lining. 

As temperatures continue to soar, I’ve personally decided to live out my vacation as long as I can; that means beach days in October, spontaneous late-night adventures, and upbeat summer music blasting far into next year. And if age tape 8 is any indication, you won’t want to miss Arden Jones on his upcoming fall tour stint. 

Listen to age tape 8 below: