Album – EXES
Release – 9th August
Review by Linda McDermott
Los Angeles based pop-punk singer deegie releases a brutally honest collection of 10 songs all about the exploration of dating. The music serves as both a time capsule of contemporary romantic struggles and a cathartic scream into the void for anyone who’s ever navigated the treacherous waters of modern relationships. The idea for the ‘EXES’ was sparked when deegie stumbled upon her online journals spanning nearly a decade, which included details about her past casual and serious relationships that were too good not to indulge in.
From men who made it clear they never wanted to be serious, to clingy, cloying men who held her too tight, each song is an exploration of memory, accountability, and the perspective bestowed by time. In a particularly bold move, each song on the album includes in the song title the name of the boyfriend it’s about. This unflinching approach transforms the album into a deeply personal diary entry, inviting listeners to bear witness to deegie’s relatable journey.
From a decisive declaration of finally knowing that marriage and children wasn’t for her, to an uneasy yet powerful nu metal track that confidently explores the complexities of processing trauma after rape, deegie fearlessly confronts the cultural myths surrounding romance, the pitfalls of casual dating, and the lasting impact of toxic masculinity.
The album pops along in the same musical vein as Avril Lavine, Blink 182 and Sum 41. Each track, though musically upbeat, is laced with poignant lyrics that reveal her deeper, often unhappy memories and experiences. By naming her exes in the songs, she adds a personal touch, enhancing the emotional weight and authenticity of her storytelling.
This not only provides extra impetus to the tracks, but also invites listeners to empathise with her. I especially feel her angst with ‘Grey Area (Jeff)’. The contrast between the lively melodies and the sombre, introspective lyrics creates a compelling dynamic, allowing deegie to process and convey her emotions effectively.
The songs delve into the raw, unfiltered emotions associated with heartbreak, disappointment, and self-reflection, something we can all relate to in one way or another with the album resonating a narrative of love and loss. This juxtaposition of upbeat music and melancholic themes underscores the complexity of human emotions, giving a relatable and cathartic experience. Through this musical journey, she transforms personal pain into a universally accessible and emotionally charged album, highlighting her vulnerability and resilience.
Having said all that, for me, the upbeat music says f*ck you, I’m going to be me regardless of what part you played in my past. This is conveyed in songs like ‘Go Be with Becca (Zach)’ and ‘Drink til I Puke (Robbie) which have me singing along with her and that’s always a good sign with an album.
I recommend you have a listen to it when it’s released on the 9th August to see if you agree with me.
Album
Expectations
Scraps (Cleland)
Old Spice (Eric #1)
Go Be with Becca (Zach)
The One (Dan)
Third Time’s A Charm (Tom)
Grey Area (Jeff)
Stop The Ride (Steve)
Drink Til I Puke (Robbie)
Never Look Back (PJ)
Check out the videos for some of the songs on YouTube
Videos
Drink Til I Puke (Robbie) https://youtu.be/IbXoxM_bjnM?si=pYZfeAARL1uQWjVp
Old Spice (Eric #1) https://youtu.be/F3UHL84Gd_8?si=fU7cED79Ta6woQb-
Go Be with Becca (Zach) https://youtu.be/nKk7xSZiWmw?si=imw8kWt35KkcGyD8
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deegiemusic?igsh=bXBpOXV0dzU0ZTQy
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@deegiemusic
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