From Tokyo, Japan comes the young, emerging face of punk-pop, Sarina. Her multi-instrumental prowess, thought-provoking lyricism, and relentless energy has led to her growing success and critical acclaim, preparing her to cause some big waves in the Western music scene. Her love for early 2010s pop-punk led to the creation of a distinct yet familiar sonic style that has deeply resonated with fans of Avril Lavigne, Olivia Rodrigo, and Paramore. Produced in collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Erik Ron (I Prevail, Staind, Bush) and platinum record producer and Escape the Fate guitarist Kevin Thrasher (Panic! At The Disco, Blink-182, Avril Lavigne), her newest compositions promise to be exceptional.
Let’s dive right into Sarina’s latest release, Break Out!!, a seven-track EP, bringing you an impeccable fusion of raw emotion, infectious energy, and masterful production. The songs explore coming of age themes through a personal and eloquent lyrical lens, making each track an absorbing and affecting listening experience. Laden with ear-catching, punchy guitars, upbeat, high-octane rhythms, and commanding vocals, the journey through this EP is bound to leave audiences exhilarated and wanting more.
The first track, ‘Living in the Moment’ opens the EP off to an impassioned start. Contemplating feelings of being lost and falling behind, this song suggests that maybe, despite the uncertainty about your future, sometimes the best choice is simply to live in the present and seize the moment. Ringing riffs, racing drums, and emphatic vocals give you a glimpse of the sonic exuberance and eruptive energy that is about to follow.
‘Skip A Beat’ is the next track and it amps up the momentum from the previous one. Sometimes in life, things might not go your way despite having tried your best to make it happen. However, you can still use that as an opportunity to grow stronger and resilient. There is some success in a setback after all. This profound theme is infused into a vibrant, power-packed soundscape bursting with radiant, heavy riffs, pounding drums, and fervent vocals.
In ‘Don’t wanna break your <3’ the music slips into a slower, sadder, and softer pop sound, as the artist reflects on ending a relationship. Feelings of rumination, wishful thinking, and guilt take center stage showing a more vulnerable, and emotional side. Tender guitar melodies, softer, slower beats, and emotive vocals define this song.
‘Artist with an E’ swiftly slips into that signature heavy and electrifying punk pop sound, with searing guitars, thunderous drums, and commanding vocals. This song sees the artist come to terms with “bullshitting” your way through life and how it all ends up working out. She explores this theme with relatable yet provocative lyrics and an even more memorable sound.
‘Hold me’ and ‘Why am I so sad?!’ both take the music into more melancholic directions. However ‘Hold me’ unfolds into a tender, immersive soundscape illuminated by reflective guitar melodies, warm acoustic strums, expansive atmospheres, moody strings and a heartfelt, vulnerable vocal performance. You almost forget you’re inside a pop punk EP, and this just goes to show the versatility and width of talent that Sarina possesses. On the other hand, ‘Why am I so sad?!’ jumps right back into the spirit of emo punk pop where she tries to make sense of her melancholy and rage. With thrumming bass lines, a downpour of urgent riffs, and pounding drums, the soundscape forms the perfect backdrop for her impassioned vocals. The journal entry-esque lyricism makes the song all the more sincere, open, and relatable.
‘I know nothing’ is the closing track of a thoroughly entertaining, and emotionally resonant EP, and it ensures you do not forget the artistic ingenuity and musical range of Sarina. Bright ukulele strums and endearing vocals tell you that it is okay not to know things, like not knowing your place in the world and not having everything under control. This song leaves you on a positive note, bringing a riveting journey through doubts, heartbreak, anger, and growth to a happy and hopeful end.
Listen to Sarina’s latest EP ‘Break Out!!’ here!
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