Paradise of Bones: The Comeback of Broadside
By Mary Perez
Graphic: Emily Lantzy
After two busy years of touring, releasing music videos, traveling to different countries, and even making new music, Broadside have finally returned with the first two new singles since the release of their 2017 album, Paradise. “King of Nothing” and “Empty” are set to be released in mid-May, just in time for their summer tour as an opener for Set It Off. Both songs are very different from each other, yet they still maintain some familiar elements from Broadside’s previous works that fans are sure to enjoy.
It’s hard to know what to expect from bands’ new music; however, in recent interviews, the band noted how they’re hoping to take a darker approach to their new music to contrast the upbeat, summer feel of Paradise. “King of Nothing” is more reminiscent of their first album, Old Bones, in returning back to the heavier side of their music. It was surprising to see that “King of Nothing” touched on an idea that was previously explored through “Summer Stained.” In a statement from lead vocalist Oliver Baxxter, the track is noted to be about their lives as touring musicians and the loneliness and helplessness they feel, despite the accomplishments the band may earn. “This song is about wanting to be the best. I’m so proud of our accomplishments as a band, but some nights, after the show ends and those crowds leave the venue, when you’re in the back seat of a dark van, you feel like you’re not doing enough and those dreams you have become nightmares of what you’ll never achieve,” Baxxter says. “You can be on top of the world and have nothing.”
I can safely say that this song will be a new favorite of fans, new and old, as I can already envision how energetic “King of Nothing” will be live. The chorus hits hard with “I’ve lost all control,” drums really emphasizing the power of the statement, the echoes in the background adding another dimension to the lyric. Baxxter’s vocal range is truly highlighted, and for anyone who has seen Broadside live, it’s very evident that he has a powerful voice and is unafraid to use it. The song’s expressions of helplessness almost desperation in Baxxter’s execution of the lyrics “So go and live it up / rotting here alone live it up / paradise of bones.” The band emphasizes how— although their lifestyles of musicians may be enticing and exciting— such an unconventional life creates their “paradise of bones.” An impressive track that truly showcases the talent of the band.
However, “Empty” is a good contrast to the darker “King of Nothing,” and the second single feels like it very well could have appeared on Paradise. The song follows the very same style of “Who Cares?” by creating an upbeat song to mask depressing ideas. Baxxter’s statement illuminates that the track is about “the duality of being a broken-hearted romantic” and the idea of “how unfortunate it is to be in love, sometimes.” The songs itself has music that is reminiscent of Paradise’s tracks, and I constantly found myself reminded of certain elements of songs that I enjoyed from the 2017 record. The lyrics clearly depict that heartbroken lover’s struggle, as he questions “Do you want to fall in love / knowing that we’ll fall apart / so what’s the point of falling in love / when you always fall too hard.” The song explores the story of someone who has fallen in love and acknowledges how much their lover makes them feel “empty,” yet continues to follow along. They are too scared to let go of the past and all of the memories they’ve made, so they allow themselves to stay in a lost relationship. It’s nice that Broadside vary their topics and focus on not only more personal elements of their lives, such as the feelings of touring musicians, but also more relatable stories, such as romance. Definitely a summertime track that will be on everyone’s playlists.
Broadside have already accomplished so much since Paradise’s release, and these singles are indicative of their transition into this new era that the fans have been waiting so patiently for. Their growth as a band is refreshing, as they continue to explore different sounds and themes, regardless of difficulty. They are not a band that struggles to push themselves to tackle harder topics, and I hope to see them challenge listeners to think more about the ideas they have spoken about in not only Paradise and Old Bones but these new works, as well. The band also always puts on an extremely lively show, and I cannot wait to hear these new tracks live. Be sure to keep an eye out for their new works in the future, and catch them on tour with Set It Off this summer!