REVIEW / Somewhere City from Origami Angel
cover by RB Roe
REVIEW BY JACOB CORNELL
When I joined the MNSTRM staff just over two years ago, putting my thoughts about music onto paper was a tough thing to do. Being a part of a publication that allows you to cover specifically what you enjoy is a terrific privilege, and while it wasn’t always easy, I’ve always tried to remind myself to stay as objective as possible when writing music reviews. Strap in, because this is not one of those objective reviews.
I consider myself a full-blooded member of the Gami Gang. I discovered Origami Angel not long after they released their 2018 EP Doing The Most, and after what I’d consider to be three nearly perfect releases in a row, I had unbelievably high hopes for their debut LP. That being said, I’ll be honest—I was nervous. I think it’s much easier to release an outstanding 3 or 4 song EP than a full-fledged album, and with two other EPs released this year alone, I was worried to see how much gas was left in the tank for Gami releases this year. Especially considering this is their debut LP and would be a major milestone for the band, I wanted nothing more than for this to be another outstanding release. When bands are continuously active and releasing new music, I think it’s inevitable that there are some releases that don’t resonate with you as strongly as others. I am so unbelievably happy to say that, after all the hype and promotion surrounding this album, Somewhere City really delivered.
After what was easily my favorite album promotion, I was absolutely giddy to finally hear this latest release. I was in the Chatterbot Discord server a few times participating in the hunt for the “leaks” and have enjoyed every update and iteration of the somewhere.city site. For those unaware, leading up the album’s release, Origami Angel and Chatterbot Records created an entire website and ARG for fans to hear new music early and to participate in the world-building fun of Somewhere City. It included some limited info about the album’s release, but mostly encouraged you to visit the beautiful Somewhere City and always urged you to Discover More. With a few singles hidden for early listening among die hard fans, it was one of the coolest album roll outs I’ve ever been a part of. I was even lucky enough to snag one of the limited “travel packages” supplied to the first visitors of the site, complete with an early album stream and some Gami Swag. The dynamic duo of Origami Angel and Chatterbot Records deserve major props for finding a way to keep fans involved and to include them in the fun of releasing a new music.
Now, with all this context of my history as a fan of Origami Angel and with all the hype I’ve had brewing for this album release, I’ll say again that Somewhere City delivered. In true Gami fashion, Somewhere City is as upbeat, energetic, and vibrant as ever. It’s physically impossible to listen to this album and sit totally still. (I tried it, it’s impossible, sorry.) It blows me away every time I remember the amount of noise this two piece band can produce. Plus, being the first Gami release to include things like gang vocals, beatboxing, bass twinkle riffs, and so much more, the album truly allows Gami to get exploratory with their sound. Plus, not to mention, a fucking reprise? I want to do my best to not spoil specific things on this album that blew me away, but god I am such a sucker for a good reprise. Aside from being musically outstanding, the album thematically and lyrically is such a breath of fresh air. Lead singer Ryland Heagy’s lyrics have always been very introspective and upbeat for being one of the scene’s most dynamic emo acts, and this album delivers and builds on that introspection in all the right ways. It’s hard to explain without giving too much away, but I’ll just say—it’s a very cathartic listen and relating to an emo album so strongly without it being about pining over a girl who doesn’t love you back is, refreshing to say the least.
I’ve been anxiously awaiting this album’s release more so than any I can remember recently, and I’ll say it one more time, Somewhere City delivered. There isn’t one song on this album that feels like filler to make it to LP length. I’d encourage first listeners to let the album play, in order, front to back, with no interruptions if possible. There are countless nuances and transitions that make this album such a cohesive, enjoyable listen, and I cannot strongly recommend it enough. At this point I’m Gami Gang for life and can’t wait to see Origami Angel and Chatterbot Records take over the world. I can’t say it enough, please give this record a listen. I visited Somewhere City and left a better person for it, I think you will too.
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