Life often brings anxiety and uncertainty, especially when searching for direction. The desire to create can feel overwhelming without a clear starting point, but even small steps forward can lead to significant milestones. Music becomes a way to express both subtle and chaotic emotions. The album that will be discussed is the result of how its author, Beyond the Midwest, explores himself, not afraid to confront the dark corners of his subconscious. The album ”The Comeback” is Beyond the Midwest’s debut project, set to release on all streaming platforms on December 16.

The decision to release his first album did not come right away. From the very beginning, Beyond the Midwest was overwhelmed with doubts: how important is this? Will he be able to convey what he wants? After all, all the tracks were meaningful to him. Every moment of working on the album reflected his path, thoughts, and feelings. And so, taking control of himself, Beyond the Midwest engaged in the creative process, he gave himself the freedom to express what mattered, and allowed the music to be not only personal, but also universal for those who are ready to listen. Each song is presented as a work of art with visual canvases.

Photo by@ beyondthemidwest

The opening track of the album, “Sleepless Nights,” is visually characterized as a mask. In the melodies and the nature of the track’s performance, there is a sense of struggle. Beyond the Midwest tries to create a character that would embody his inner world and reach his subconscious, expressing it through music and visuals. He strives to play, experiment, and create something sincere and beautiful. In “Sleepless Nights,” there are reflections filled with pain and uncertainty, which gradually transform into realization and the desire to move forward, despite the difficulties.

Meanwhile, the track “Tamagotchi Friends” sounds with a slight nostalgia, the melodies and rhythmic transitions of the track seem to connect the past with the present. Inspired by the iconic toy, this track explores the theme of relationships and emotional attachment. It reminds of childhood memories and reflections on how these memories affect adulthood.

In turn, the track “Letter To Myself” sounds like a frank letter addressed to oneself, a kind of musical monologue, where the artist addresses his past self. In the song “Letter To Myself,” there are reflections on life, mistakes, failures, and lessons learned. This is a moment of self-analysis, where through music, the artist tries to understand who he is and where he is going.

There is no attempt to hide from the truth, on the contrary, it is a bold admission of one’s weaknesses, fears. The musical elements of the track support its emotional tension, transitioning from quiet, introspective moments to more powerful climaxes. Playing with sounds, manipulating the vocals to make them sound like instruments, Beyond the Midwest demonstrates unconventional ways of expression.

Photo by @beyondthemidwest

In the track “Rage of War,” for example, I felt more power, I would even say aggression symbolizing inner struggle. This is one of the most intense songs, symbolizing confrontation and the desire for victory. As the album unfolds, moments of overcoming and searching become more tangible. Each subsequent track seems to move further away from dark days and leads to bright moments, where hope, triumph, and the understanding that there are still many unexplored paths ahead appear.

In the track “Dust 2 Trust,” the music evolves from chaos to harmony. This track is a metaphor for overcoming difficulties and restoring trust. It starts with reflections on disappointments, loss, but gradually develops into a brighter and more hopeful theme. This is, in my opinion, one of the most symbolic tracks on the album. “The Comeback” starts with heavy themes, and then takes you through failures, reflections, and small triumphs to end with a rightful finale.

The final track “See Me” is the culmination of everything that sounded before, a moment of full awareness of one’s “self.” It is the conclusion of a long journey, in which the protagonist gains confidence despite all doubts and obstacles. “See Me” is a manifesto of self-acceptance, a call to be heard and seen without masks, in one’s true essence. The main concept of the track, as it seems to me, is that what really matters is being true to oneself and not being afraid to show your true identity to the world.

The album “The Comeback” looks like the right release of an established musician who is not trying to play to a new audience, but prefers to cement his legacy. This release is a declaration of love for creativity and the search for oneself through music, going through difficulties and personal experiences. I hope you find something close and important for yourself in it.

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