‘Supernova’ by Terrell Andretti is a 13-track pop album with elements of rock and synth-pop. It follows our narrator through a toxic relationship that ends in bitter-edged separation, with lyrics that pop out at you over a flowing, consistent soundscape.
The lyrics turn from reflective, to edgy then bitter, lacing the soundscape with this sense of frustration, hurt and longing betrayal. The album’s sound rarely strays from something a bit distant, with this consistent synth-led sound allowing each song’s lyrics to take centre stage.
Check out the latest news: Pearl Jam Returns to the Road next Year for Dark Matter Tour
‘Supernova’: Track-by-Track
‘Supernova’ pt. I: ‘Hard to K!ll’-’Superstition’ ’
‘Hard to K!ll’ tells this haunting tale that delves into the mindset of our narrator, someone who’s ruminating on that heart break, but for reasons one wouldn’t expect. He seems to be addressing his ex, almost knowing that he haunts their thoughts for treating him wrong. Its tone feels insidious in its pull.
“…Have my memories been taking up your time?…”
‘Maniac “the Raging Made Man”’ addresses the narrator’s place in this narrative with this sharp, rock edge. The guitars on the track are counteract the numbing edge of the synths, a consistent feature through all the tracks, while the lyrics address heartbreak and frustration.
“…You’re a raging narcissist, I know who you are…”.
The lyrics all through the album volley in this sense of refreshing vulnerability. This capturing this sense of unhinged heartache that lingers at the end of a longwinded relationship.
In this vein, ‘Superstition’ feels the most unhinged. It acknowledges the dark mindspace our narrator is occupying, expressing all that anger and frustration in this almost insidious way. He seems to play this antagonistic figure. “…I am the truth that haunts her mind…”.
But there’s a clear sense of who the antagonist really is in this narrative.
You May Also Like : Dominick Raffaele Pours His Heart Into Pop Ballad “Completely”
Supernova pt II: ‘Sixteen’-’Dirty Dancing 2’
‘Sixteen’- ‘Love Machine’
‘Sixteen’ behaves like a flashback that captures sensations and new emotions. Though consistent the sound on the album sounds brighter, giving it this almost love-song like air, but with this sense that these feelings are in retrospect.
“…Touch, kiss, breath and pull me closer.
Feels like we’re sixteen…”.
Here the fade out that’s been teased in previous songs lingers, keeping us in this emotion.
‘Love Machine’ on the other hand is desperate love characterised by funky, dark synths. Its a club banger that feels low and weighty, giving the lyrics space to show as those shadows in this love.
“…I’m your love machine and maybe I need you to love my body…”.
The last 30 seconds of the song slow right down, distorting the soundscape and lyrics to create this unsettling effect. One that communicates a cycle that’s tired of looping on itself.
‘Save the Last Dance’ becomes the reconciliation. Those moments after a fight or the aftermath of discomfort where our mismatched lovers “find eachother” again. The song doesn’t shy away from how toxic this dynamic is, but even highlights this sense of perverse comfort that feels familiar.
“…I heard you’ve been dancing by yourself at night and I wanna see you…
……Over and over you’re who I choose…
…I hate how good we’re getting at goodbyes…”.
‘Dirty Dancing’-’Dirty Dancing 2’
‘Dirty Dancing’ and ‘Dirty Dancing 2’ bring back the emotions from ‘Love Machine’. This desperation and this feeling that our narrator (and in turn the listener) is being used. The first half brings in this distant guitar, while our narrator sings about walking away. This while the second half has almost moved on, but not quiet.
From,
“…Nightmares come true, fighting you I can’t help but lose.
Hurt somebody, she will hurt somebody and I’m somebody…”. (Dirty Dancing)
To,
“…Hurt somebody,…she done hurt herself…”. (Dirty Dancing 2)
Both songs capture acknowledgement and even sympathy. Our narrator is finally ready to move on.
You May Also Like : A Vibrant ‘Splash Royale’ Ride Wth Instrumental Surf Rock with Fly Janet
Supernova pt III: ‘Masquerade’-‘A Long Kiss Goodbye’
‘Masquerade’-’Romeo Must Die’
‘Masquerade’ uses its synths that make the listener feel as though they’re being transported somewhere new. The narrator, on that journey to move on, keeps encountering that love over and over. “…I just want us to keep our distances…”.
However,
“…I know you thought you killed my memory, but some things just don’t die…”.
The feeling is unsettling and almost insidious.
‘Romeo Must Die’ establishes that our narrator is pulling himself out of this narrative that’s been created about him. Or atleast, recognises that he see it. The song evokes Romeo & Juliet, helping the song feel tethered to a story that we know the ending of, to show us how this narrative has been imposed onto the narrator.
‘Regret Radio’ is a blues-like piano track that sounds like a “told you so”. It stands out among all the songs on the album so far, highlighting this almost long-winded mood that lingers till the last track on the album.
“…Now you want somebody to trust you but they won’t play your games…”.
‘In Case You Panic’-‘A Long Kiss Goodbye’
‘In Case You Panic’ uses an expansive synth sound and percussion that seems to clap. It looks at the state of our ex-lover, seeing them as they are now, lonely and alone. There’s a bitterness that lingers with heartache, feeling sorry for that lover while
also knowing going back isn’t what he wants.
“…Even the right guy you lose because all the problems lead to you…”.
The final track on the album ‘A Long Kiss Goodbye’ begins with cascading pianos and those consistent synths. This cascade turns into quick ripples as the instrumentation quickens its pace, this before the vocals take their awkward place.
These vocals hit hard, though they feel removed, while the lyrics reflect on what life would have been without this all-consuming, toxic relationship.
“…Love don’t live here or you would have had some.
You’re an ugly liar with a beautiful body,
How important would I be if you had forgotten me?…”.
Conclusion and The Artist
‘Supernova’ by Terrell Andretti is driven by feeling, allowing vulnerability to take a hold over this narrative in a refreshing way. The lyrics over consistent soundscape help the album stand out.
The Artist
Terrell Andretti or Tarvin Anthony Spencer Jr.is a multi-genre artist from Houston Texas. He’s known for being a skilled lyricist, being able to paint vivid images of his life and times. He’s been compared to artists like The Weeknd, Travis Scott , Post Malone, Scarface, Rick Ross and Nipsey Hussle.
Follow Terrell Andretti on Instagram!
Listen to Supernova here;
You May Also Like : ‘Could Have Been EP’ by The New Citizen Kane is a Electronic/Pop EP that Captures Nostalgic What Could Have Beens
You May Also Like :
Big News – Sinusoidal Music featured on FeedSpot’s Top 90 Best Indie Pop Blogs and Websites
Check out our Spotify Playlists.
Check out our YouTube channel for music reviews, playlists, podcasts, and more!
Promotional Disclaimer: The content in this post has been sponsored by the artist, label, or PR representative to help promote their work.
