Junior Varsity Spin Us Around Their Technicolor Sonic World in "New York"
Falling in love is terrifying, let alone in New York of all places. LA-based trio Junior Varsity, composed of singer-songwriter-producers Greg Aram, Zach Michel, and Brooke Danaher, channel the frenetic energy of the greatest city on Earth in their latest single, "New York." On the new track, the band takes a more reflective approach, exploring the complexities of love amidst the city's feverish backdrop, telling the story of two people falling in love and fighting their fears.
"New York" captures the essence of two people who aren't necessarily speaking to each other but are deeply connected. It's a unique love song where much remains unsaid between the pair, allowing listeners to tap into the emotional tension between the lines. Contorted garage sonics, driving rhythms, and swirling guitar riffs paint the contradictory clash of emotions between excitement and dread. An underlying tension oozes out of the phrase, "You say you don't want it," hinting at a reluctance to fully embrace vulnerability. This juxtaposition between passion and uncertainty makes for a thoughtful and honest look at the stress of figuring out whether we should surrender ourselves to another person and entrust them with our hearts.
The accompanying music video, directed by Dillon Cohen, opens with two children running around a neon-lit casino, playing Beyblades on the carpet. We are whisked away to the inside of the glorified top and see the band and others pinned to the wall as the toy spins at top speeds. The visual reminds one how hard life can be and whips everyone around, but it's also the most beautiful thing you'll ever experience. It's a bumpy ride, but it's always worth it.
Junior Varsity has been carving a unique space in the indie scene for themselves with their high-octane underground shows and hands-on approach to music and visuals, earning a loyal fanbase along the way. "New York" showcases their evolution as songwriters and artists, blending their raw sound with more introspective storytelling. With widespread recognition and a successful run supporting artists like Jean Dawson and LANY, Junior Varsity is not just on the brink but poised for a breakout year.
Watch the "New York" video below:
