A big welcome to all my devoted readers and music lovers. DC-based artist BOY GRAPES is the artist under our spotlight today. “I See When I Close My Eyes” is Boy Grapes’ most ambitious and diverse album to date. It spans 12 tracks and combines alternative rock, indie, experimental, and even metal/prog influences to create a record that is both emotionally powerful and sonically surprising. The record was released on 9th August. Let’s get into the details of this record

“Sand” is the first song on the album. The song opens with a bright and throbbing guitar riff with something that seems like a distorted voice in the background. This song is based on the scripture Timothy chapter 3 verse 16 of the holy Bible. It says that, the word of God is a double-edged sword. It also talks about us being in the hands of God. The song at its core is a distorted poetic performance. It sounds scary but the message is profound and hopeful. This song opens the album

The second song on the album is “Humpback”. The song opens with a guitar strumming that is bright and captivating. Now the song talks about a character who finds himself in an old house. He then sees a humpback whale and this whale seemed excited to see him and jumped high. It seems that this character is having a hard time and wants to drown and fade away. Whether this thing with the whale was real or a dream, it seemed like a good experience and somehow, I felt like I wanted to see this whale for myself. Musically, the performance was quite captivating and interesting to listen to. I was very delighted by this song very much and listeners will love it too

“Closed up” is the title of the next song. This song has a very upbeat intro. The song talks about a character who is in big trouble because of a shop that had been closed up. The song features certain whimsical oddities added to the instrumentation. Normally, it would have sounded weird or out of place but, you know what, it works, it works so so well. Musically, we get a hearty performance and full energy that is infectious

Next up is a song called “Bobby”. This song opens with a rap-like performance and grunting. The song is about a man called Bobby. Throughout the song, a lot is going on and normally, it would have been chaotic but, nothing overshadowed anything and it was a very cool and very satisfying sound

“Getting away” is the next song on the record. This song opens with such a beautiful bass guitar melody, oh I was in love. This song was a classic rock song, complete with wild vocal performance and crazy guitar strums. Hearing this song will blow my mind and it is an experience I will die to have

Up next is the song called “What I see”. This song opens with an electrifying mix of instrumentation. Wanna rock out and go crazy? Well, well this is just the song for you. You will not be able to resist the charm of this song. I was up on my feet dancing in no time at all, and, I am positive that it will happen to you too

“Gummo” is the seventh song on the album. This song slows the album down with its throbbing but glacial guitar melody. This song talks about a very important issue, it talks about how sometimes of us have an identity and sense of belonging crisis. We often feel like we don’t belong no matter where we are supposed to fit in. This is something that many of us are still grappling with and we appreciate the artist for talking about this with his music and his platform. Musically, we have the artist giving an emotive performance because of the message of the song and it was very beautiful.

“Kinetic” is the next song on the record. This song opens with a killer guitar melody, which was completely awesome. In this song, the character does not hold back in his lamentation. This character has just gotten out of a relationship that he didn’t want to end even though, it was terrible. He has been hurt by his ex and is trying to erase her but, as we all know, it’s difficult to erase someone you once lived out of your mind. In this difficulty, he regrets this Roman so badly that he declares that in his next life, he prefers to be alone than to be in a relationship that will inevitably implode. Musically, the song is very upbeat very rock-based which I believe is very cathartic so hell yeah, let’s get it out. I loved this song and I believe this song, will be my go-to breakup song from now onwards

“Muscular atrophy” is the song that follows. The song has a very exciting and foot-tapping intro. So, let’s get medical and talk a little about muscular atrophy. This happens when our nerve supply diminishes and our muscles waste away. In this song, the character is going through muscular atrophy and we find out that it is because of the long hours he spent at work. His condition is so bad that he can’t even speak. He then talks about a cage, and this cage seems to be how he feels in his body because he can’t move at all. Musically, the vocal performance seems nonchalant to somehow talk about how the character feels like he should have done over the years before he felt ill. The song is a reminder that we should not overwork ourselves, no matter what because, it may cause long-term diseases

Next up is the song “Just Move”. At the beginning of this song is a drum solo that will put all drum lines to shame. This song is an invitation to dance, but not just any dance, a dance that will take every ounce of Strength from your body. Before you think it’s a bit too far, your body will be out of control, possessed by the song and you will dance to your heart’s content.

Next up is the song “Better Time”. This song opens with a slower melody than the previous song. The character in the song talks about how his life was better when he didn’t care about anything. The vocal performance of this song was so beautiful and engaging

The last song on the album is “It’ Isn’t me”. The song opens with a dreamy and soft melody. The song portrays a character who is different from what people think he is and so, he lets everyone know that it isn’t him. This incredible and breathtaking song ends the album

From the dreamy acoustic opening “Sand” to the punk adrenaline of “Just Move” to the vast, genre-bending closing “Better Time,” each song is a world unto itself. The lyrics revolve around dreams, identity, mental health, and personal battles, culminating halfway through with “What I See,” a bold metal/prog rock statement, and “It Isn’t Me,” a heartfelt acoustic farewell.

The album transitions between delicate sensitivity and explosive catharsis, letting listeners experience the highs, lows, and bizarre in-betweens of Boy Grapes’ inner world. Whether it’s the mesmerizing bass-led “Muscular Atrophy,” the industrial punch of “Bobby,” or the captivating tale of “Better Time,” this project is worth listening to from beginning to end. This was a wonderful album that showcases the talent of BOY GRAPES. I am excited to hear more of his music

Stream the “I see when I close my eyes” album on Spotify 

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